Natural Disaster Assistance Program

Don Coats, Emergency Housing Repair Director
3009 E. Portland Avenue
Tacoma, WA 98404
(253) 573-7972

Mission Statement

The intent of the Puyallup Tribe’s Natural Disaster Assistance Program is to provide monetary assistance and/or shelter support to Tribal members when a natural disaster occurs such as floods, severe wind or snow storms, hurricanes, mud slides, tsunamis, earthquakes, tornados, fire and energy assistance to Tribal members residing In a region experiencing an excessive heat wave.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicant must be:

  • Puyallup Tribe Member 18 years and older;
  • Primary residence of the applicant, provide verification;
  • Apply within 2 weeks of disaster;
  • Provide documentation of natural disaster from official agency;
  • Residence must be deemed unlivable for no less than 48 hours;
  • Must be living is a region that is experiencing a excessive heat wave lasting 20 days or more with temperature 90 degrees or higher.

Ineligible Assistance

  • Rental Units (structural damage). This is the responsibility of the landlord; and
  • Fire accidents caused by other tenants is the responsibility of the landlord or tenant.

Definitions Unit

Unlivable: Applicant cannot reside in unit for more than 48 hours based on damage;
Unit inaccessible: Applicant is evacuated from their primary unit and not allowed entry by officials.

Assistance: Financial and Hotel Stay

Financial: Family Size

  • 1-2 Puyallup Tribal Members $500; 3-4 Puyallup Tribal Members $1000; 5 or more $1,500 and additional $1,000 will be granted if primary residence is completely unlivable. Will be assessed by Emergency Home Repair Director or other official agency.
Hotel Stay (weather related evacuations only):
  • If you live within the boundaries of the Puyallup Tribe and your primary unit is located in an evacuation area deemed inaccessible by a Council Determination Report. Applicant qualifies for Hotel Stay at Emerald Queen Casino at no cost to applicant or if rooms are not available, Council may issue Hotel Vouchers at a rate equal or less than the rate of the EQC.
Energy Assistance:
  • Up to $500, when applicant has been experiencing an excessive heat wave for more than 20 days with temperature over 90 degrees.

Applications, Policies and Procedures

Natural Disaster Assistance Applications and Policies and Procedures can be obtained at the above address.

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm