Extreme Emergency: Energy, Housing and Food Assistance

William Veliz, Executive Director of Tribal Services
3009 E. Portland Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 573-7952 • (253) 573-7962 Fax

Mission Statement

The intent of the Extreme Emergency: Energy, Housing and Food Assistance Program is 1) to assist with energy bills for elder Tribal members (55 older) or disabled Tribal member or Tribal members with minor child (12 years or younger) in their legal and physical custody; 2) to provide monetary assistance when applicant is about to be evicted from primary residence or foreclosure on primary residence; and 3) to provide food assistance when electricity has been turned off for 48 consecutive hours. Puyallup Tribe Children’s Services will be notified to perform a Health and Safety Welfare Check when applicable.

Assistance Provided

1. Energy Assistance: Qualified Members can access energy assistance once per year; maximum of $500.
   Eligibility requirements:
   • Elderly Tribal Member 55 years and older or disabled individual who is living at home without an able- bodied adult to handle financial matters, i.e. electricity bills (must provide shut off notice);
   • Tribal members with children needing energy assistance (child must be 12 years or younger, and applicant must have legal and physical custody of child.
   Applicant must:
   • Provide copies of shut off notices; and
   • Have exhausted other energy assistance resources.
2. Housing Assistance:
   • Up to $1,000 per year;
   • Funding is allocated from October-September.
   Eligibility requirements:
   • Must be an enrolled Puyallup Tribal member (with children);
   • About to be evicted from apartment or rental unit; or
   • Mortgage is in foreclosure.
   Applicant must:
   • Provide eviction notice, or
   • Provide mortgage foreclosure document.
3. Food Assistance (Once per Fiscal Year)
   Eligibility requirements:
   • Must be an enrolled Puyallup Tribal Member;
   • Must be 18 years and older;
   • Must have had utilities shut off for over 48 consecutive hours;
   • Provide documentation that unit is primary residence; and
   • Documentation that utilities have been shut off for over 48 consecutive hours.
   Amounts available:
   • Can apply once per year. If requesting additional assistance, must get approval from Tribal Council;
   • Family of 4 or more $100; or
   • Family of 3 or less $50.

Applications, Policies and Procedures

Puyallup Tribe of Indians Extreme Emergency: Energy, Housing, and Food Assistance Applications and Policies and Procedures Manual can be obtained at the address listed above.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm