Housing Stabilization Center
Families and individuals receive support services to assist with
building a stable, productive life.
Housing Stabilization Team
HSP@associatedministries.org
253-426-1503
Landlord Liaison Services includes services from both Housing Connector and Associated Ministries. The Landlord Liaison Services now has two organizations: Housing Connecter and The Housing Stabilization Center through Associated Ministries.Housing Connector partners with property owners and service providers, acting as a bridge to connect those experiencing homelessness with vacant units in the community.
The goal of Housing Connector is to successfully house individuals and families experiencing homelessness who cannot otherwise access housing due to rental barriers. Property Partners participating with Housing Connector agree to apply Relaxed Screening Criteria to tenant applicants referred for housing through this program. In return, Property Partners receive a variety of incentives including exclusive access to our listing platform on Zillow, free referrals to fill vacancies, risk mitigation services, rent guarantees, vacancy loss incentives, and incident response support.
Housing Connector acts as the single point of contact for both Property Partners and Community Service Providers to support tenants if challenges arise during the first two years of tenancy.
Associated Ministries’ Housing Stabilization Center is the tenancy retention section of these services. Housing Stabilization Center will provide resources such as utility assistance, local resource referrals, and rental assistance (when funding is available) to help mitigate tenancy for clients housed through the program. Individuals and families housed in the program have access to Renter’ Readiness Certification where they learn how to be better neighbors, are prepared for financial success, and provided resources to aid them throughout their tenancies. Associated Ministries will ensure housing stability by providing extra supports like mediation, conflict resolution, and case management services throughout the second year of tenancy for Rapid Rehousing households that reside in Housing Connector properties. We also provide light case management services for selected households that are placed in Housing Connector units through the Diversion program.
Renters' Readiness...what is it?
The Renters' Readiness Certification (RRC) is a series of free courses offered to the community by the Housing Stabilization Center that provide tenants with powerful tools to become a knowledgeable renter.
The series consists of 4 courses per month, usually on four consecutive Fridays. These classes are FREE and open to all housing shoppers, service providers, landlords and community members. RRC is brought to you by a partnership between the Housing Stabilization Center at Associated Ministries, Tacoma Housing Authority, Pierce County Housing Authority, Fair Housing Center of Washington, Sound Outreach, and Spinnaker Property Management.
Join us in person and earn your Renters’ Readiness Certificate for FREE!
A Renters’ Readiness Certificate boosts your rental application and provides you with powerful tools to become a strong renter. These classes are FREE and open to all housing shoppers, service providers, landlords, and community members.
CLASS 1 –ACCESSING COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Maintain your rental housing by utilizing community resources that offset costs in other areas of your life. Also hear expert tips on how to search for housing, understand your lease, and become a knowledgeable renter. Instructed by Associated Ministries.
CLASS 2 – Financial Capability
Learn how to set a budget and improve your credit score. Participants who successfully complete this session gain access to ongoing programs with Sound Outreach to continue their progress toward financial stability. Instructed by Sound Outreach.
CLASS 3 – Landlord/Tenant Rights & Relationships
Understand your rights and responsibilities under landlord/tenant laws in Tacoma and Washington state. Instructed by Mark Melsness from Spinnaker Property Management.
CLASS 4 – FAIR HOUSING BASICS: UNDERSTANDING YOUR RIGHTS
Learn how to identify discrimination, advocate for disability-related needs, and know what your protections are under federal, state and local laws. Instructed by Fair Housing Center of Washington.
Classes are free and open to the public - just register below. Classes are live with presenters and participant interaction. Register for the classes ahead of time or at the time of class and receive updates as to when and where classes are held.
