ABOUT US
It’s not our worst days that measure a life well lived, but the times we rise again despite it all.
We’re Metropolitan Development Council–your advocate in achievement, your champion in connection and your partner in personal stability. Since 1964, it’s been our mission to level the scales of poverty in Tacoma and beyond. We empower our community with integrated social services and compassionate support so they can break free from survival mode, find stability and create a path forward.
Our programs vary in scope and reach, but they’re all driven by a single purpose: Put simply? We’re here to fight poverty and build a better community in the process.
MDC Mission:
To provide programs and access to resources that reduce poverty and create a more equitable community.
MDC Vision:
An economically equitable community in which people work together to enhance the quality of life for the people we serve and improve the well-being of our communities.
Our Work at a Glance
- Outpatient care and treatment for those with substance use disorder, voluntary or court-ordered
- Inpatient detoxification and withdrawal management
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Therapeutic intervention for simultaneous substance use mental health challenges
- Relapse prevention
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
- Rapid rehousing for those experiencing homelessness
- Short-term rental assistance
- Affordable housing neighborhoods, duplexes and single family homes throughout Pierce County
- Dedicated rental inventory for veterans, families with children, and young people with disabilities
- Furnished rental units
- Transitional housing for sober living
- Permanent housing and supportive services for those with substance use disorders or mental health challenges
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
- One-time per program-year grant to assist eligible low-income households with heating costs
- Payment made directly to the heating vendor
- Amount paid will be based on the last 12 months’ heating costs
- Rental assistance when available
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT ENERGY ASSISTANCE
- Furnace repairs
- Home assessment
- Insulation (floor, attic, duct, and walls)
- Air sealing
- Heat loss reduction
- Test all gas appliances
- Furnace repairs
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Improve indoor air quality
- Energy conservation measures
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT WEATHERIZATION
- GED support
- College planning and admissions support
- Scholarship research and navigating student loans
- Dedicated programs for adult learners, high schoolers and first generation college students
- Career advising
- Resume crafting and interview prep
- Transportation assistance
- Job placement
- Conflict resolution
- Financial literacy workshops
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT EDUCATION
- Cash reimbursement for nutritious meals and snacks served in licensed in-home child cares, regardless of family income
- Reimbursement for meals to provider’s own children, based on income eligibility
- Choice of foods served
- Sample menus and serving ideas
- On-line or mail in claiming
- Prompt and friendly service
- Year-end tax statement
- No software to purchase or download
- Support by phone, email and in person
- Foods that meets USDA guidelines
- There is no charge to participate
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILD & ADULT CARE FOOD
- 24/7 involuntary psychiatric unit with interdisciplinary staff
- Customized treatment plans
- Medication management
- Individual counseling and group therapy
- Case management to assist with housing, education, employment and financial benefits
- >LEARN MORE ABOUT BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
