Shelter Plus Care

The Shelter Plus Care Program (SPC) is a rental subsidy program funded by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by Plymouth Housing on behalf of King County. While SPC programs vary by county and state, the program is designed to link rental assistance to supportive services for formerly homeless individuals and families. The SPC team works with landlords throughout King County to provide permanent supportive housing to eligible households. 

The Shelter Plus Care program does not accept direct referrals from the community for new clients. Instead, enrollment for clients is facilitated through SPC’s local contract service provider agencies. These agencies administer their own waitlist for the SPC program and refer eligible households for assistance. People who have experienced chronic homelessness have priority for referral.

Clients who are enrolled in SPC typically pay approximately 30% of their gross income toward rent and utilities. The remaining rent portion is paid with a Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) issued directly to eligible landlords. Prior to the start of subsidy, units must pass a Housing Quality Standard inspection and be within rent reasonability guidelines for the program.