The Housing and Essential Needs (HEN) program helps people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, have a disability, and serves Spokane County only at this time.
Individuals are referred by DSHS to be eligible. When people are referred to the HEN program they receive an assessment and are placed on a wait list. Individuals who are assessed as highly vulnerable are given highest priority for service and funding.
The program can help in the form of case management, and limited rental assistance, housing deposits, application fees, and utility payments. This may be provided once an individual is enrolled, and if program staff determine such assistance is needed.
Eligible individuals may also receive essential household needs such as cleaning supplies, hygiene products, other household items, and transportation assistance in the form of bus passes or gasoline vouchers.
The Housing and Essential Needs program is funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce through a grant by the City of Spokane.
