IFCH Launches New Rental Assistance Program

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Our December Virus rent and utility payments will mark the end of the Virus rent program.

Starting in January IFCH’s new rental assistance program will provide exactly twelve monthly payments of $500 ($6,000 for the year) for each enrolled applicant. As there are more applications than can be funded, a new lottery drawing has already selected the first 18 recipients.

After 21 months the need for the Virus rent program has ended. IFCH received over $400,000 in donations and distributed most of these funds. IFCH became aware of a non-Virus-related need for rent subsidies on Vashon.

Many people on Vashon are spending over 50% of their income on rent! Leftover seed money from earlier donations, and new donations, provided $108,000 to finance the start of the New Vashon Subsidized Rent Program. The first 18 recipients will receive this $108,000 in monthly checks payable to the respective landlords. As future donations are received, each time they reach $6,000, IFCH will start assistance for the next eligible recipient.

Hilary Emmer, the program’s manager, hopes to add more families to the program in the next couple of weeks. Can you help us to add $12,000 to needy families? And as future donations are received and grow to $6,000, IFCH will add the next eligible recipient.

You can donate on the website or mail a check to IFCH P.O. Box 330, Vashon 98070. Please enter “New Rent Program” in the check memo line. You can also donate directly on this website.

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IFCH is continuing to provide free meals six nights per week, free laundry every Tuesday, occasional rent assistance in addition to that provided by the new rent assistance program, and many other needs. Thank you for your support. Please click the button below for more information about Vashon Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

Mary Van Gemert, President, James Dam, Treasurer,

Hilary Emmer, Program Coordinator

Vashon IFCH is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN#: 74-3101551.

The Covid virus rent fund is now history, thanks to vaccinations and improved job market. From March 2020 through December 2021, IFCH provided $378,500 in rental and utility assistance to 107 island households. Thank you, Vashon Island donors. Also, thanks to Vashon Be Prepared, Granny’s, PSE and others for supporting grants.

IFCH is now processing donations to help islanders facing high rent costs, specifically those paying more the 50% of household income for rent. To make sure your donation intended for the New Vashon Rent Assistance is properly used, please indicate “Rent Program” on PayPal secure payment page. You can also indicate “General” for donations intended for the usual IFCH assistance.

You don’t need a PayPal account to donate, your credit card will suffice.  Directions are just above the Donate button on the right panel. (If you are reading this on a mobile phone scroll down to reach the Donate button).

You can also send a check to P.O. Box 330, Vashon, WA 98070 (make sure to indicate how you want your donation applied)

 National emergencies put the most vulnerable populations at great risk. The homeless, elderly, and hungry on Vashon are no exception.

Thanks for you generosity and support !

Our Mission is to identify and respond to the needs of those who either are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless. We encourage movement toward independence in those we help and, when appropriate, refer clients to professionals in other organizations.

Vashon’s Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization made up of representatives from faith groups and others on the island. All of our support comes from donations from people who care. Won’t you give?

We try to provide housing for our Vashon community’s homeless & near homeless. The majority (90%) of people assisted by IFCH only need help once.

We have helped families with children, elderly people, single men and women, and couples, Many are homeless due to mental health issues.

Others are the working poor in our community whose income has not kept up with the cost of living. They are often one illness or other tragedy away from losing their housing.

We provide a number of services to help these people find everything from temporary shelter to long-term, low-cost housing. We are totally volunteer based.

What Else Do We Provide

• Some rental assistance.
• Warm meals every day year round from our ongoing meal program.
• Volunteers to help with transportation, advocacy, and other client support.
• “Care Kits” containing personal hygiene products distributed by the food bank and local churches, and other locations.
• Assistance with moving, credits for washing of clothes, emergency funds for food, gas, utilities, medical costs, and other short-term needs.