The Tacoma Housing Authority manages over 2,600 income-based apartments where tenants pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent and utilities.
There are an additional 3,661 rent-subsidized affordable apartments in Tacoma that do not provide direct rental assistance but remain affordable for low-income households.
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The average monthly rent subsidy through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program in Tacoma is around $700, with the average voucher holder contributing $400 towards the rent.
The waitlist for low-income housing assistance through the Tacoma Housing Authority is currently closed due to the high demand, and can only be opened to new applicants once every few years.
The maximum amount a Section 8 voucher would pay on behalf of a low-income tenant in Tacoma for a two-bedroom apartment is between $1,788 and $2,186, based on federal housing data.
Mercy Housing Northwest, a non-profit developer, provides affordable housing at 30%, 40%, and 60% of the Pierce County median income in Tacoma.
The Pierce County Housing Authority allows tenants to pay their rent online for any of its owned apartments or low-income public housing units.
Tacoma's affordable housing crisis is driven by rapid population growth, limited land availability, and rising construction costs, making it challenging to keep up with the demand.
The city of Tacoma has implemented inclusionary zoning policies, requiring new residential developments to set aside a portion of units as affordable housing.
Tacoma's "Home in Tacoma" plan aims to increase housing supply and diversity, including the development of more low-income and workforce housing units.
Community Land Trusts, a model where land is held in trust and homes are sold at below-market rates, have been explored as a solution to Tacoma's affordable housing shortage.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Habitat for Humanity chapter has built over 300 affordable homes for low-income families in the region since its inception.
Tacoma's Landlord Liaison Program connects low-income renters with landlords who are willing to accept housing vouchers, helping to expand access to affordable units.
The city's Rental Housing Safety Program inspects rental properties to ensure they meet minimum health and safety standards, protecting low-income tenants from substandard living conditions.
Tacoma's Affordable Housing Trust Fund provides grants and loans to developers to create and preserve affordable housing, with a focus on units for households earning 30-60% of the area median income.
The Tacoma-Pierce County Continuum of Care, a collaborative of homeless service providers, works to address homelessness and connect individuals to permanent supportive housing options.
Tacoma's multifamily tax exemption program offers property tax incentives to developers who set aside a portion of their units as affordable housing for low-income residents.
The city's Rental Assistance Program provides short-term financial assistance to help low-income households avoid eviction and maintain stable housing.
Tacoma's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations allow homeowners to build additional small-scale housing units on their properties, potentially increasing the supply of affordable rental options.
The Tacoma Housing Authority's partnership with local service providers and community organizations helps low-income residents access comprehensive support services, including job training and childcare assistance.