About Us

ABOUT YWCA LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT SERVICES

The Landlord Engagement Services Project is funded by the Snohomish County Human Services Department and works in collaboration with other agencies such as Housing Hope, Cocoon House, Volunteers of America and more, to assist those who are experiencing homelessness, find temporary and permanent housing.

Our Focus is to:

Conduct landlord outreach to provide information and education on housing programs
Engage with landlords in the community to find available units for low-income tenants and those experiencing homelessness
Assist Permanent Supportive Housing & Rapid Rehousing case managers with hard-to-place households
Aid in the successful placement and retention of individuals and families and ensuing they understand their lease agreement and the move-in process

Benefits for the landlord:

Assistance with finding a tenant
Guaranteed rent payments
Ability to provide an increased deposit of up to 2x the amount of rent if needed
Supporting the tenants through case management
Informed and educated tenants through training and education classes
Access to landlord-tenant mediation

Benefits for the tenant:

Gives the tenant an opportunity to succeed
Provides them access to housing
Basic needs are met
Supportive services through case management
Aids in building positive a rental history

Benefits for the community:

Landlord-Tenant-Agency collaborations
Decreased use of city and county services
Effective means to meet the needs of underserved individuals and families
Making our community a better place
Inclusive communities

Program History

The YWCA and Snohomish County Human Services Department have recognized the pivotal role landlords play in our community by offering stable housing for many individuals and families. They also recognized that in order to create a stronger and healthier Snohomish County, there must be lasting partnerships among landlords and case managers who assist tenants who may be low-income or experiencing homelessness.

In April 2019, Landlord Engagement Services brought together landlords and community agency partners to create the Rental Providers and Community Agencies Committee. This committee was established with the goal of fortifying relationships between landlords, tenants, and case managers, while also addressing any landlord-tenant issues or challenges as well. The committee’s mission is to also devise strategies for landlord outreach, recruitment, and engagement, while also working to provide education, classes, and resources to both landlords and tenants and encouraging them to help end the housing crisis in our community.

Testimonials From Those We've Served

"Thank you YWCA and Coyle for helping my family and I get into a safe home. The extra mile Coyle went on every email and conversation! Coyle checked on me and made sure every step was taken care of! The first night my son slept 16 hours! And today my daughter woke up late, and she said mom, we can all sleep good now. This apt has a sleeping curse, but it’s because we are safe and it is quiet! I can’t thank you all enough for everything! Let me know if I can ever volunteer or give back!"

-G.W.Successfully Housed Client

"You were my hope and reassurance when I almost didn't have any left. You spoke wisdom, patience, and encouragement over me when I was uncertain and doubtful. You showed me compassion and kindness when I needed them the most. Beyond mere words, I'm grateful for you. No words can express my gratitude for helping me move. For your assistance Mr. Coyle, I'm grateful. Be blessed!"

-B.T.Successfully Housed Client

"I was in a huge dilemma after my children's father passed away, and after he passed, I found out the damage he did to my name/credit. I needed to find some place to live when the family I was living with just moved out without notice. My kids had to suffer a 1 hour drive to school and 1+ hours on the way back daily. Luckily, Everett Public School District helped me out however they could, and that's when I finally met Coyle. He was so understanding and I felt like he understood my situation well. It felt easier talking about what was happening to me with someone who actually cared and wanted to help me and my kids. He would always make sure I understood the process of the program and do daily check-ins as well. This program changed my life and has found me stable living for me and my children. I honestly can't thank you enough for helping me find a home. I truly appreciate everything this program did for me and the people who connected me to it."

-T.G.Successfully Housed Client

"I can’t begin to describe the gratitude I have for the YWCA, Kristina, and Ali. Without you, I would still be living in my car. You have given me hope and a home. A home, which in the past, has not been a happy thing for me. Having endured a life of violence, I now have a safe place, and you even made sure my cats could be with me. I had lost all faith, but you walked every step with me so that I wasn’t alone with my overwhelming problems. I had really lost faith in all people, and yet you kept working even though I was struggling just to deal with life. I was so alone, having been through so much pain and destruction. It was hard to go on, but you kept working hard for me when I couldn’t find the light at the end of the tunnel. I have never been treated with so much kindness and compassion by anyone. Because of you, my cats and I will now be safe. I’m regaining my faith and confidence in myself. After being told and treated like I didn’t matter, it’s hard to believe that you could be so kind and want nothing more for me than my safety. Life had broken me, but you took those pieces, carefully put them back together, and showed me I was worth it. If I didn’t have the YWCA, Ali, and Kristina, I doubt I could’ve made it much longer—I would’ve just faded away. I pray that one day I will be able to be on the other side, helping others get through their own helpless situations. My deepest gratitude—because of you, we can sleep peacefully again. I’m sure Ti Ti loves it and her new backyard!"

-J.W.Successfully Housed Client

I am writing this letter to commend Ms. Kristina for her exceptional work. She went above and beyond in her efforts and dedication to getting us rehoused. I cannot express enough the immense gratitude I feel for both YWCA and Kristina. It is an absolute nightmare not knowing where you will rest your head after a long day of work. Navigating the steps required and doing everything that is expected, only to still be without a home, is both a psychologically and mentally traumatic experience. Adding a teenager already going through so many changes made this situation even more challenging for us. We have faced this hardship multiple times over the past six years, for various reasons, but this instance was particularly difficult because it was so sudden and entirely beyond our control. Thank you so much for helping and providing us with the peace of mind that allows us to strive for a better life. If all goes well, it would be a blessing to pay it forward and extend the same compassion and kindness that was shown to us.

- G.F.Successfully Housed Client