** Pierce County Evictions Surpass What Programs Can Cover

Pierce County is experiencing a severe housing crisis, reflected in one of the highest eviction rates in Washington state. Recent data shows that 3,561 evictions were filed in the county from September 2023 to August 2024, despite significant funding for eviction prevention programs. Over 1,700 households have been denied assistance, leaving many families at risk of losing their homes. The article features the story of Megan Jackson, whose family received an eviction notice after her husband suffered an injury and lost his job. Kari Moore from Pierce County's Human Services discusses the lottery system for distributing aid, which has only reached a small fraction of those in need.

Additionally, it highlights programs like the Landlord Liaison Program, aimed at facilitating housing access for at-risk tenants. The article raises critical questions about the effectiveness of current assistance programs and the urgent need for comprehensive housing solutions. As eviction rates continue to rise, the community is called upon to rethink its approach to housing stability and support for vulnerable families.