What is EMVP?
The Emergency Motel Voucher Program (EMVP) is available in Snohomish county and provides short-term assistance to individuals and families in an effort to reduce the number of households who return to emergency shelters.
Who does EMVPs serve?
In order to qualify for the EMVP each individual/family is required to meet the criteria of being homeless, having an income at or below 80% of area median income (AMI) and unable to obtain a safe and stable place to live.
Eligibility for the motel voucher program is determined through an application process. An applicant may only apply once in any given year for assistance. Once an applicant is determined to be eligible, a voucher payment is made by Compass Health directly to the motel on their behalf. All clients are served on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are no longer available. Once a person is placed on an emergency shelter voucher, the Compass Health team works cooperatively with the client to provide the needed services and assistance with locating and obtaining permanent housing.
Approach of program
While a motel voucher is not a permanent solution, it allows our clients a safe place to stay off the streets while our clinicians work with them to find affordable, permanent housing options.
Compass Health’s standing relationships with local motels allow the organization to quickly house an individual or family. The EMVP allows Compass Health to work collaboratively with not only our own clients, but with other non-profit providers in the community who are facing the same challenges for their own clients. We are extremely grateful to our private funders for their generous support of the successful Emergency Motel Voucher Program.
Goals of EMVPs
The goal of the EMVP is to break the cycle of homelessness before it begins by reaching as many individuals as possible and providing intervention in time of crisis. This program allows recipients stability, safety, and the peace of mind required to make a positive change.
Vouchers are good for up to seven days and can be renewed to provide up to 14 days of emergency housing in instances where individuals might be returned to the street to provide more time for placement.
Please note that Emergency Motel Vouchers are only available as funding allows. Like many services such as these, there is a far greater need than resources.
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