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Tap what's going on and get the real program to call — PUD and City bill discounts, OlyCAP energy and rental help, and the county's two shelters — with what to bring.
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Jefferson County's help with a bill, rent or a place to stay is real, but it's split across the City, the PUD and OlyCAP, each with its own door. Tap what's going on and get the actual program, who to call, and what to bring — no forms filled out here, and nothing you type is saved.
Jefferson County PUD and OlyCAP both help with electric bills — a standing monthly credit if your income qualifies, and a separate one-time grant if you're behind or about to be shut off.
Call Jefferson County PUD about the Low-Income Program Credit
Ask about the Standard Low-Income Program Credit — a $71.53 monthly bill credit for qualifying households — or the Senior Low-Income Program Credit if you're 62 or older with income a bit too high for the standard one. Ask about a payment plan and the Rainy Day Fund at the same time.
Apply to OlyCAP for LIHEAP energy assistance
LIHEAP is a separate, one-time grant for households behind on heating costs — electricity, oil, propane, wood or pellets, including when heat is included in rent. Apply online or call for a paper application if you don't have internet access.
If you have a shutoff notice, say so first
A 72-hour shutoff notice, an actual disconnection, or having no heat or fuel counts as a crisis. Call or visit OlyCAP in person rather than waiting on the online form, which closes for the season before crisis cases stop being accepted.
Jefferson County PUD
Electric utility — bill credits and payment plans
OlyCAP — LIHEAP energy assistance
One-time heating-bill grants
The City of Port Townsend discounts its own water, sewer and stormwater bills — and, inside city limits, your Olympic Disposal trash bill — on a sliding scale from 25% to 75% off, based on household income.
Check which discount tier fits your household
2026 guidelines for a household of one: 75% off under $2,660 a month, 50% off under $3,990, 25% off under $4,650 — the thresholds rise with each extra person, and combined household income must be under $100,000.
Get the Income-Based Discount Application
It's on the City's utility information page along with an information sheet, and a Spanish-language version exists too. You can also ask for a paper copy at Utility Billing.
Submit it by the 20th of the month
A complete application received by the 20th is considered for that same month, so apply as early in the month as you can rather than waiting.
OlyCAP's housing program is the county's rental-assistance door — for people already behind on rent, moving and short on move-in costs, or already without stable housing.
Contact OlyCAP's housing program directly
Walk in Monday to Thursday, 9am–3pm, at 2120 W Sims Way, or call. The program serves Jefferson County residents who are currently homeless, have a new place lined up but need up to $500 toward move-in costs, are behind on rent, or are a veteran at risk of homelessness.
Ask about Crossroads if a family court is already involved
Families engaged in Mental Health, Drug or Family Therapeutic Court can ask about the Crossroads Supportive Housing program — move-in costs and rental assistance together with case management.
OlyCAP Housing Services
Port Townsend has two year-round shelters, both reached through OlyCAP — one indoors with case management, one an open-air village with tiny shelters and RV space.
Call OlyCAP first
OlyCAP coordinates access to both Haines Street Cottages (about 31 beds, with case management) and Caswell-Brown Village (open 24/7, up to 50 people, tiny shelters and RV slots).
Outside OlyCAP's hours, try the hospital or 211
Jefferson Healthcare's emergency room can point you toward overnight options, and Washington 211 runs a statewide shelter line that isn't limited to OlyCAP's business hours.
OlyCAP
Jefferson Healthcare emergency room
Washington 211 is the state's free, confidential referral line for exactly this moment — one call routes you to whichever program actually fits, including ones not listed here.
Dial 211, or look it up online
It's free and confidential, and covers food, healthcare and legal help too, not just bills and housing. Say what's going on in your own words — you don't need to know the program name.
No one will ever ask you to pay to apply
You can apply to more than one program at once
What's going on right now? Tap the one closest to it.
Tap the situation closest to yours for a step-by-step plan.
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