HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-09Kauairentersencouragedtoapplyforrentreliefprogram
THE COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
DEREK S. K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR
MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: September 9, 2020
HOUSING AGENCY
ADAM ROVERSI, DIRECTOR
Tel (808) 241-4444
Fax (808) 241-5118
Kaua‘i renters encouraged to apply for rent relief program
LĪHU‘E – Kaua‘i County officials are encouraging residents to apply for the State of
Hawai‘i Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program (RRHAP) which will provide financial
assistance for renters at risk of eviction for non-payment of rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program is funded by the Federal CARES Act and will provide eligible renters at risk
of eviction with assistance in making monthly rent as well as financial counseling. The program
is administered by non-profit partners Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and Aloha United Way.
“We are grateful for the support and collaboration of our state and federal partners for
providing this much-needed program to the County of Kaua‘i,” said Mayor Derek S.K.
Kawakami. “We also thank Catholic Charities and Aloha United Way for their role in helping our
communities navigate this program which will bring much-needed relief to both renters and
landlords affected by the ongoing challenges of this pandemic.”
Applications are currently being accepted for housing payments that are due between
August 1, 2020, and December 28, 2020. The program specifies that housing assistance
payments can be made in lump sum amounts and will be made directly to landlords. The
program’s monthly rent payments are up to $1,500 per household for residents in the County of
Kaua‘i. Rent payments will not exceed the actual rent owed.
How to Apply:
To apply for the State of Hawai‘i Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program, go to
www.hihousinghelp.com or contact either Catholic Charities Hawai‘i or Aloha United Way. Both
partners will assist the public through the process and ensure that applicants meet all eligibility
requirements for program assistance. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i can be reached via
www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org or by phone at 808-521-HELP (4357) or 808-241-4673. Aloha
United Way can be reached via www.auw.org or by phone at 2-1-1.
Eligibility:
Full-time Hawai‘i residents with proof of valid and current tenancy for their primary
residence must show a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have a gross
household income that does not exceed 100% of the HUD Area Median Income for 2020. You
can apply for the Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program if you:
• Are a full-time Hawai‘i resident.
• Have proof of valid and current tenancy for primary residence in the
state of Hawai‘i.
• Are 18 years of age or older.
• Can demonstrate a loss of income directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Can demonstrate that your current household income does not exceed 100% Area
Median Income.
More information about the Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program, including
frequently asked questions (FAQs) and a list of required documentation is available at
www.hihousinghelp.com.
The state has announced that details for a second phase of the program are being
finalized with another $50 million dedicated to covering statewide rents and mortgages
beginning on March 1. An announcement will be made when more information is available.
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