KCR security deposit assistance goes far beyond transitional housing program

Kitsap Community Resources provides lower income tenants in the Greater Bremerton area with rental supports that can come in handy during a financial pinch.

Security Deposit Assistance

If you need help meeting the move in cash requirements for a new rental unit, it may be possible to receive limited assistance with your security deposit. Kitsap Community Resources operates a security deposit assistance program that can dramatically lower the amount of cash you need to successfully make your move.

Tenants should not expect to have their entire security deposit paid by the agency. Instead, a case manager assigned to your case will help you evaluate your available sources of funds and then work with you to ensure that you can make the move into a safe and affordable rental unit. Of course, you should expect the case manager to approve of your choice of a rental home, since they must make sure that you are making a good choice that will allow you to permanently afford your rent payments.

In order to request security deposit assistance in Kitsap County, you will need to contact a case manager at the Housing Solutions Center in your local area:

  • Bremerton (Burwell Street), call 360-621-0112
  • Bremerton (Park Avenue-Main Office), call 360-473-2035
  • Port Orchard (Bay Street), call 360-621-0112
  • Port Orchard (SE Rainshadow Court), call 360-473-2144
  • Poulsbo (3rd Avenue NE), call 360-930-0075

Rental Assistance

Your household may already be in an affordable rental unit. However, a recent financial crisis may have caused you to fall behind on your rent.

A payment to your landlord to cure a delinquency may be possible if you meet specific guidelines. A case manager will determine whether your household earns enough income, but not too much income to warrant rental assistance.

If you are deemed to be a good case, then a payment may be authorized to help you catch up on your rent. Still, there are situations where a case manager may instead suggest a move to a more affordable rental unit if they feel you are overextended in your current home.

Transitional Housing

While you may need a new rental home, it is possible that your current financial situation does not allow for you to sign a new lease. Credit and savings challenges may be enough to warrant a temporary cooling off period where you get a break from your high living costs.

Imagine capping your monthly rent at just 30% of your income. As long as you are willing to work with a case manager on a weekly basis to stick to a budget and learn new techniques, you could get a break from market rent while living in your own place.

The transitional housing program allows for your family to live in a single family dwelling while paying no more than 30% of your monthly household income. It gives you a chance to get caught up on delinquent bills which can improve your credit rating. Additionally, you can begin saving up for the first month’s rent and security deposit requirement for when you do move on to permanent rental housing. There is additional support available if you need a small boost with your security deposit when the time comes.

Emergency Housing

Kitsap Community Resources provides an emergency housing program that utilizes a shelter for dealing with immediate housing needs. If you have recently been evicted, this program can be a great asset while you gather your belongings and plan your next move.

To gain access to emergency housing, you will need to be approved by a case manager. You may either call the organization directly at 360-377-0053 during regular business hours, or you can call the Crisis Clinic at 360-479-3033 for emergency situations.

About KCR

Kitsap Community Resources has been providing resources to lower income tenants and residents of Kitsap County since the 1970s. Programs serve eligible residents as well as Veterans who are in need of rental assistance solutions.

The organization provides real alternatives to the expensive rental assistance loans and other debts that rarely improve a tenant’s situation in the long-term. If you qualify for aid, you should expect a much better outcome. For more information, visit their website.