With fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic leading to an unprecedented number of households getting behind on rent, Olympic Community Action Programs (OlyCAP) will host a series of outreach events starting tonight on a federal program that offers help.
The Treasury Rent Assistance Programs (T-RAP) provide a hand paying back rent, utilities and some future rent, all to help people stay housed.
Very low-income households and people who are unemployed may be eligible for the aid. OlyCAP invites the public to find out more during these sessions:
• Tonight at the Quilcene Community Center, 294952 U.S. Highway 101, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Wednesday at the Brinnon Community Center, 306144 U.S. Highway 101, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday at the Tri-Area Community Center, 10 West Valley Road, Chimacum, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The T-RAP program can supply several kinds of help, including assistance with unpaid rent going as far back as March 2020.
The aid can be used for a maximum of 12 months of back rent and cover up to three months of future rent.
T-RAP assistance can also be used for past-due utility bills including those for electricity, water, garbage, internet and phone service.
Local residents are encouraged to attend any outreach session to talk directly to OlyCAP housing team staff members about the program. If possible, they should bring proof of income for the past 60 days, ID and their rental lease to the event.
Additional information sessions will be scheduled later this month in Port Townsend for residents of that city.
For more details, contact OlyCAP at housingteam@olycap.org or 360-385-2571, ext. 1010. Information about the agency’s programs to provide assistance for people in Jefferson and Clallam counties also can be found at OlyCAP.org.
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Jefferson County senior reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladailynews.com.
