Human Services
Benton County Human Services provides county programs that support residents through housing assistance, developmental disability services, veteran support, transition programs, and emergency service information. This article explains the main Human Services programs, what each service provides, how residents can access the appropriate office, what information may be needed, and where to find official county resources.
Human Services Department Overview
The Benton County Department of Human Services (BCDHS) coordinates programs designed to connect residents with county-supported services and assistance programs. The department provides access points for housing resources, developmental disabilities programs, veteran resources, transition services, and other community support services.
The main Benton County Human Services office provides information about available programs and directs residents to the appropriate service area. Residents seeking assistance should review the program details before contacting the department so they can provide the correct information and request the service that matches their situation.
Housing Resource Center
The Housing Resource Center helps households experiencing homelessness or those at risk of homelessness connect with the appropriate provider through a coordinated screening process. The center, formerly known as the Coordinated Entry System, routes households to the most appropriate provider among the available homeless service network as quickly as possible.
The Housing Resource Center offers walk-in screening on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with closure from noon to 1 p.m. The center is located in the Benton Franklin Health District Building.
Residents can review housing assistance information through the county’s Housing Resource Center services. Available housing-related resources include housing and rental assistance applications, information about homeless shelters, renter resources, and other housing support materials.
Housing Screening Process
The screening process helps determine which available service provider is the best match for a household’s needs. Residents seeking housing support should be prepared to explain their current housing situation and provide information needed during the screening process.
The Housing Resource Center also provides access to housing and rental assistance application information. Applicants should review application instructions and provide requested information to help the county and service providers understand their circumstances.
Developmental Disabilities Services
Benton County Human Services serves as the county coordinator for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) Supported Employment and Community Inclusion Programs, as well as Child Development Services.
These services are designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families through employment preparation, community participation, child development assistance, and connections to supportive programs.
Supported Employment Programs
Supported Employment services help individuals with developmental disabilities obtain and maintain integrated employment in the community. Services are individualized based on a person’s needs, interests, abilities, and career goals.
Individual Supported Employment services may include:
Intake and discovery activities.
Assessment and job preparation.
Job marketing assistance.
Job supports and employment record keeping.
Support to maintain employment.
Group Supported Employment services provide supervised employment opportunities for groups of workers with disabilities in integrated community employment settings. These services may include employment models such as enclaves and mobile crews.
Community Inclusion Services
Community Access and Community Inclusion services help individuals participate in activities that build independent living skills, develop personal relationships, and increase involvement in their local communities.
Activities are designed around individual needs and may focus on skill development, independence, and opportunities for meaningful community participation.
Child Development Services
Child Development Services support eligible children and families by addressing developmental needs. Services may include specialized instruction, speech-language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, assistive technology, and vision services.
Services are provided in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate. Families seeking information about developmental services can contact Human Services for program guidance and eligibility information.
Family Support Programs
Benton County Human Services supports family-focused programs that help parents, caregivers, and individuals connect with information and services related to developmental disabilities.
Parent Coalition Services
The Parent Coalition is a county-sponsored organization that helps families and individuals affected by developmental disabilities become informed advocates. The program provides education, family connections, presentations, workshops, and information about available services.
The coalition supports families by creating opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences and by helping families locate information needed to make decisions about services and supports.
Transition Services
Transition Services help students with disabilities prepare for the move from school to post-school life. The program connects eligible students with employment planning, adult services, and community-based opportunities.
The county provides Job Foundation and School-to-Work programs for eligible students. These programs work with schools, employment providers, and service agencies to create employment plans and support future opportunities.
Job Foundation Program
The Job Foundation program helps transition students begin early employment planning. The program supports students ages 19 to 20 by helping identify work readiness strengths, employment interests, and support needs.
The program may include skill assessments and preparation of a report that can guide future employment planning and service delivery.
School-to-Work Program
The School-to-Work program supports students with developmental disabilities during their transition years by connecting them with paid employment opportunities and long-term adult services before leaving school.
Eligibility information and application details are available through the county’s Transition Services program page.
Veteran Resources
Benton County Human Services provides resources for veterans, their families, and families of deceased veterans who meet eligibility requirements. The county veteran program provides local assistance, outreach, and case management support.
The Veterans Assistance Fund helps eligible veterans with emergency needs. Assistance may include:
Food vouchers.
Utility vouchers.
Rental, deposit, and application fee assistance.
Burial assistance.
Background check fees for pre-employment.
Hotel or motel vouchers for homeless veterans.
Bus passes.
Necessary safety equipment required by an employer.
Dental assistance.
Childcare assistance.
Veteran Assistance Screening
Applicants must provide information for screening and eligibility review. Required documents may include:
Copy of DD214.
Photo identification.
Proof of income.
Proof of current Benton County residency.
Proof of household size.
Lease documents or a 14-day Pay or Vacate Notice when applicable.
Marriage license and veteran death certificate for widows or widowers.
More information about veteran programs and assistance options is available through the county’s Veterans Resources information.
Affordable Housing Programs
Benton County Human Services administers information related to affordable housing funding opportunities through the Affordable Housing 2060 Grant program.
The program provides funding opportunities through an Interlocal Agreement for eligible affordable housing projects. Eligible activities include capital projects and acquisition and rehabilitation of property for affordable housing.
The program is intended to support affordable housing for very low-income persons with incomes at or below fifty percent of the area median income. Additional information is available through the county’s Affordable Housing 2060 Grant page.
Emergency Services Information
Human Services provides information about emergency support contacts for situations requiring immediate assistance. Emergency services information includes contacts for crisis situations, child help, domestic violence support, poison control, and other urgent resources.
Residents experiencing an immediate emergency should contact the appropriate emergency service listed by the county.
Preparing for Services
Before contacting Benton County Human Services, residents should gather basic information related to their request. Having accurate information can help staff identify the correct program and provide appropriate guidance.
Depending on the program, residents may need information such as:
Contact information.
Current address or residency information.
Household details.
Income information.
Eligibility documents.
Program-specific forms or applications.
Requirements vary by program. Residents should review the specific service page before submitting applications or requesting assistance.
Human Services Offices
Benton County Human Services operates from county locations serving residents throughout the area. Program offices may have different contacts depending on the service requested.
Benton County Department of Human Services
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-783-5284
Housing Resource Center
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-737-3946
Benton County Veterans Assistance Fund
7102 W. Okanogan Place, Suite 201
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-737-3987
Benton Franklin Counties Veteran Service Officer
Columbia Basin Veterans Center, 1020 S 7th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
509-873-1724
Human Services FAQs
How can I find the right Benton County Human Services program?
Residents can review the available program areas through the official Benton County Human Services page to identify the service that best matches their needs. Programs include housing resources, developmental disabilities services, transition services, veteran assistance, affordable housing information, and emergency service information. Reviewing program requirements and application details before requesting assistance can help ensure residents are directed to the correct service area.
What housing help is available through Benton County Human Services?
The Housing Resource Center helps households that are homeless or at risk of homelessness connect with the appropriate provider through a coordinated screening process. Residents can learn about housing and rental assistance applications, renter resources, and available shelter information through the county’s Housing Resource Center services. Walk-in screening is available Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a closure from noon to 1 p.m.
What developmental disability services can families request?
Benton County Human Services coordinates Developmental Disabilities Administration Supported Employment and Community Inclusion Programs, along with Child Development Services. Available services may include employment planning, job preparation, workplace support, community inclusion activities, and developmental support services for eligible children. Families can also review information about the county’s developmental disabilities programs to understand available options and eligibility details.
How do transition programs help students prepare for adulthood?
Transition Services support eligible students with developmental disabilities as they move from school to post-school opportunities. Programs such as Job Foundation and School-to-Work help students explore employment goals, build work readiness skills, and connect with employment planning services. Application information and eligibility requirements are available through the county’s transition services resources.
What assistance is available for veterans through Human Services?
Eligible Benton County veterans and their families may receive support through the Veterans Assistance Fund. Assistance options may include help with food, utilities, rental-related expenses, burial assistance, employment-related needs, transportation support, and other approved emergency needs. Applicants should review the county’s Veterans Assistance Fund information to understand eligibility requirements and required screening documents.