Financial Assistance
Rent and Utility Bill Assistance
The Emergency Assistance/Homelessness Prevention Program is meant to provide critical short-term relief to our clients, allowing them the time they need to explore and access other resources or find additional work. This support includes rent and utility assistance allowing individuals/families to stay in their homes (preventing homelessness) or other types of assistance (ex: gas vouchers, bus tokens, etc.)
Thanks to the generous financial donations from local businesses, families, and individuals along with some grants, we can assist qualifying households with a portion of an unpaid balance that could lead to an eviction or utility shut-off notice.
The objectives of the program are:
- To offer short-term assistance to our clients to help them meet basic, critical needs (such as temporary safe housing or utilities assistance).
To Offer the short-term interventions that our clients need in order to avoid homelessness. - Ultimately, we hope that the assistance provided by the program will help clients take one more step on the road toward self-sufficiency.
Last year, we’ve been able to help 256 families with rent, utility, transportation and other support services.
Donations Hours and Updates
HOLIDAY HOURS
December
12/24-SFH closed at 2pm
12/25-Christmas-Closed
12/27- Closed to Donations
1/1/25 Closed
**DONATION HOURS**
Monday-Wednesday-Friday : 10am – 5pm
Saturday: CLOSED
CLIENT SHOPPING ONLY — CLOSED TO DONATIONS
Tuesday & Thursday
Sunday: CLOSED
Due to our limited space, donations are limited to 6 bags or boxes per day. We are also asking that for the safety of our staff and volunteers, these bags and boxes weigh NO MORE than 25lbs. We appreciate your generosity and understanding.
**Please check our Donate – Items page for donation restrictions**
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get emergency assistance?
To Qualify:
- Meet Federal Income Poverty Guidelines
- Live within our service area: Zip codes 98022, 98321, 98327, 98328, 98330, 98338, 98344, 98354, 98360, 98371, 98372, 98373, 98374, 98375, 98385, 98387, 98390, 98391, 98404, 98424, 98433, 98439, 98443, 98444, 98445, 98446, 98498, 98499 or 98580
- Be able to pay your bills going forward
To Apply:
- Email: clientinfo@puyallupfrancishouse.org or call 253-770-6991. We will email you the application.
Where can I get a meal?
Every Client has access to the Food Pantry while shopping in the clothing bank. If further assistance is needed St. Francis will help clients navigate local food banks and orgainzations offering hot meals.
All our services and programs are offered free of charge
We exist to improve the lives of those in need.
Stories of Hope
A Gift of Gratitude Lives On
It was early morning in 2004 and November’s heavy night frost still hung in the air. As Sister Pat hurried past the covered patio outside the clothing bank’s sorting room, she noted that the homeless woman whom she had allowed to sleep there had not yet awakened....
Katie’s Story
Lovely, young Katie came to St. Francis House last week seeking financial assistance. The twenty-three-year-old had just started a new, full-time job at a warehouse, but needed to pay rent before her first paycheck would arrive. She lives in a Section 8 house and has...
Finding Purpose in this World
Ann came to St. Francis House the summer of 2016 as a homeless client. She was struggling with addiction, and her mother and stepfather – at their wits end – had “dropped” her in Puyallup. The anxiety of being homeless in an unfamiliar city only accelerated her...
A Client’s Words
Volunteer Opportunities
I chose to volunteer because I feel useful. We have met so many great friends through volunteering at St. Francis House.
— SFH Volunteer
Giving Opportunities
Last year through the generosity of our donors St. Francis House was able to keep over 175 families warm and in their homes.
Shop the Nook
The Nook is a charity boutique operated by St. Francis House. The Nook sells “twice-loved” treasures at low prices in person at our Main Street location.
