Pierce County funds Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center

Pierce County Human Services is announcing $495,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding awarded to Multicultural Child and Family Hope Center (MCFHC) to enhance digital literacy and digital equity in our community.

With this funding, they will provide workshop trainings, refurbished laptops, hot spots, one year of home internet service to eligible families, and provide post-training support. 

Pierce County Community Action Programs collaborates with local community organizations and community members to support our neighbors facing poverty to foster positive change, instill hope, and enrich lives to create thriving communities.

Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) is free, state-funded preschool that provides experiences geared to meet children’s individual needs. Families with children ages 3 or 4 years old by Aug. 31 may qualify for this free opportunity. The program has eight ECEAP classrooms in seven locations across Pierce County including Bonney Lake, Buckley, Eatonville, Orting, South Hill, Sumner, and University Place. A dual language (English/Spanish) program is available at the South Hill location.

The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) pays heating bills directly to utility companies for eligible applicants living outside the city limits of Tacoma. Payments are based on eligible household’s fuel usage for the past 12 months and income. 

The Pierce County Human Services Home Repair Program is funded through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The program provides home repairs to income eligible populations in the form of a grant. 

The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) enables low-income families to reduce their energy costs by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes while ensuring their health and safety. Eligibility is determined by a number of factors, including the number of people in your household, income sources and more. Pierce County Human Services provides weatherization services to qualifying low-income residents outside the city limits of Tacoma. 

Go to piercecountywa.gov/5846/Community-Action-Programs to learn more about how Pierce County’s Community Action Programs support individuals and families.

MCFHC’s mission is to educate, empower, and uplift children, youth, and community to increase access to opportunities. The non-profit offers numerous programs beneficial to families and children. Learn more at mcfhc.org.