Pierce County residents facing housing instability, food insecurity, domestic violence, health coverage gaps, mental health crises, substance use challenges, or other emergencies have access to a broad network of public agencies and nonprofit providers across Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, Sumner, University Place, DuPont, and the county’s smaller cities and rural communities. The following guide compiles key contacts to help readers quickly identify the right starting point. If you are unsure where to begin, start with 211 or Access Pierce, which can assess your situation and connect you directly to the appropriate local resource.
ONE-CALL NAVIGATORS
Washington 211
- Dial 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-9274
- wa211.org
- A free statewide referral line that connects callers to housing, food, utility, health care, and other essential services based on ZIP code and need.
Access Pierce (United Way of Pierce County)
- 253-572-4357 or 1-800-572-4357
- access@uwpc.org
- uwpc.org
- Provides personalized help applying for benefits, rental assistance programs, and other support services in Pierce County.
HOUSING, RENT HELP, AND EVICTION PREVENTION
Pierce County Human Services
- 3602 Pacific Ave., Suite 200, Tacoma, WA 98418
- 253-798-4400
- piercecountywa.gov/HS
- Administers county housing programs, eviction prevention resources, and coordinated funding for homelessness services.
Pierce County Coordinated Entry
- Start by calling 211 or Access Pierce
- piercecountywa.gov/4809/Coordinated-Entry
- The primary access point for individuals and families seeking shelter or housing placement through the county’s homelessness response system.
Shelter Access Hub (24/7 emergency shelter access)
- 253-444-4563 (call or text)
- piercecountywa.gov/8220/Homeless-Emergency-Shelter-Availability
- Provides real-time information about available shelter beds and directs callers to participating emergency shelters.
Associated Ministries (Coordinated Entry walk-in site)
- 901 S. 13th St., Tacoma, WA 98405
- 253-383-3056
- Walk-in hours: Mon., Tue., Thu., Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Closed Wed.
- associatedministries.org
- Offers in-person assistance for coordinated entry assessments and connections to housing and basic needs services.
Tacoma Housing Authority
- 902 S L St., Tacoma, WA 98405
- 253-207-4400
- tacomahousing.org
- Manages public housing and housing voucher programs for eligible low-income residents within Tacoma city limits.
Pierce County Housing Authority
- 603 S Polk St., Tacoma, WA 98444
- 253-620-5400
- pchawa.org
- Provides affordable housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs serving areas outside Tacoma city limits.
Northwest Justice Project CLEAR Hotline
- 1-888-201-1014
- nwjustice.org
- Offers free civil legal assistance to low-income Washington residents, including help with eviction defense and housing rights.
UTILITIES AND ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Pierce County Energy Assistance (outside Tacoma city limits)
- 253-798-3590
- piercecountywa.gov
- Helps eligible households pay heating and utility bills to prevent shutoffs during periods of financial hardship.
Metropolitan Development Council (Tacoma residents)
- 721 Fawcett Ave., Suite 204, Tacoma, WA 98402
- 253-383-3921
- mdc-hope.org
- Provides energy assistance and other stabilization services for Tacoma residents experiencing economic hardship.
FOOD INSECURITY
Emergency Food Network
- 3318 92nd St. S, Lakewood, WA 98499
- 253-584-1040
- efoodnet.org
- Distributes food to a network of food banks and meal sites across Pierce County and offers a searchable food locator.
Nourish Pierce County
- 1702 S 72nd St., Suite E, Tacoma, WA 98408
- 253-383-3164
- nourishpc.org
- Operates food banks and mobile food programs serving individuals and families throughout the county.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
Crystal Judson Family Justice Center
- 718 Court E, Tacoma, WA 98402
- 253-798-4166
- familyjusticecenter.us
- Provides coordinated advocacy, safety planning, and connections to legal and support services for survivors of domestic violence.
YWCA Pierce County Domestic Violence Hotline
- 253-383-2593
- ywcapiercecounty.org
- Operates a 24-hour hotline, confidential shelter, and support services for individuals experiencing domestic violence.
Rebuilding Hope Sexual Assault Center
- 723 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, WA 98405
- 24/7 Helpline: 1-855-757-7273
- Business line: 253-597-6424
- rebuildinghope.org
- Offers confidential advocacy, counseling, and medical accompaniment services for survivors of sexual assault.
Family Renewal Shelter Hotline
- 253-475-9010
- domesticviolencehelp.org
- Provides emergency shelter and crisis support for individuals and families fleeing domestic violence.
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
- Call or text 988
- A nationwide 24-hour crisis line offering immediate emotional support and suicide prevention assistance.
Pierce County Crisis Line
- 1-800-576-7764
- Provides 24-hour mental health crisis intervention and referrals within Pierce County.
Washington Recovery Help Line
- Call or text 1-866-789-1511
- warecoveryhelpline.org
- Connects individuals with substance use disorder treatment, mental health resources, and problem gambling support.
Pierce County Recovery Support Line
- 877-780-5222
- Offers peer support from trained individuals with lived experience in recovery from substance use or mental health challenges.
Comprehensive Life Resources
- 253-396-5800
- comprehensiveliferesources.org
- Provides outpatient behavioral health services, crisis support, and treatment programs for adults and children.
HEALTH INSURANCE AND PRIMARY CARE
Washington Healthplanfinder
- 1-855-923-4633
- wahealthplanfinder.org
- The state’s official portal for enrolling in Apple Health (Medicaid) or purchasing insurance through the Washington Health Benefit Exchange.
Community Health Care
- 1148 Broadway, Suite 100, Tacoma, WA 98402
- 253-722-2161
- commhealth.org
- Operates community clinics offering primary care, dental, and behavioral health services regardless of ability to pay.
Sea Mar Community Health Centers
- 1112 S Cushman Ave., Tacoma, WA 98405
- 253-593-2144
- seamar.org
- Provides comprehensive medical, dental, and behavioral health services at multiple Pierce County locations.
VETERANS SERVICES
Pierce County Veterans Assistance Program
- 253-798-7449
- piercecountywa.gov/veterans
- Offers emergency financial assistance and resource referrals for eligible veterans and their families.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System – American Lake
- 9600 Veterans Dr., Lakewood, WA 98493
- 253-582-8440
- va.gov/puget-sound-health-care
- Provides comprehensive medical and mental health services for enrolled veterans.
YOUTH AND FAMILY CRISIS
Washington Youth Crisis Line
- Call or text 866-833-6546
- youthcrisisline.org
- Provides 24-hour confidential crisis support for youth and families experiencing emotional or behavioral emergencies.
MultiCare Behavioral Health – Child and Family Services
- 253-697-8400
- multicare.org
- Offers outpatient behavioral health assessment and treatment services for children and adolescents.
SENIOR AND DISABILITY SUPPORT
Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources
- 253-798-4600
- piercecountywa.gov/adr
- Helps older adults and individuals with disabilities access long-term care, caregiver support, and benefits counseling.
Long-Term Care Ombuds
- 1-800-562-6028
- waombudsman.org
- Advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities to resolve complaints and protect rights.
TRANSPORTATION
Pierce Transit
- 253-581-8000
- piercetransit.org
- Provides local bus service, paratransit, and reduced fare programs throughout much of Pierce County.
Sound Transit
- 1-888-889-6368
- soundtransit.org
- Operates regional light rail, commuter rail, and express bus service connecting Pierce County to King and Snohomish counties.