HomeMy WebLinkAboutPR_2022-03-24Kauaisuccessfullydistributes20millioninemergencyrentalandutilityassistance.pdfDEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR MICHAEL A. DAHILIG, MANAGING DIRECTOR
News Release
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2022
COUNTY OF KAUA‘I
HOUSING AGENCY
ADAM ROVERSI, DIRECTOR
(808) 241-4444
Kaua‘i successfully distributes $20 million in emergency rental and utility assistance;
Program will temporarily pause in April
LĪHU‘E – The County of Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program (CRUA),
administered by Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, has successfully distributed approximately $20 million in
emergency rental assistance to Kaua‘i households suffering financial hardship due to the
pandemic. Officials have announced that the CRUA program will temporarily pause for one month, in
April, while the program transitions to a new funding source.
“This has been a tremendous infusion of much-needed assistance into our community,” said
Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “We thank our partners with Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union and our Kaua‘i
County Housing Agency for working together to help our residents find financial relief during the past
two years of incredible hardship. We are grateful that a new round of funding is on the horizon, and
thank our partners with Hawaiian Community Assets for helping our residents with the transitions
ahead.”
While the program is paused in April, new applications may be submitted and will be reviewed.
However, rent and utility payments will not be processed until CRUA reopens in May.
“Applicants in our CRUA program do not need to reapply, and we will do our best to ensure your
financial assistance will continue without disruption in May,” said Adam Roversi, Housing Director.
“Further, if you have recently applied, and are in process of finalizing your application, your application
will continue to be processed and funded.”
Kaua‘i expects to receive an initial distribution of $2.26 million from the American Rescue Plan
Act to continue funding the CRUA program in May. Officials also anticipate that Kaua‘i will receive
additional funding after this initial amount is distributed. An update will be announced when more
details are available.
As the island transitions to post-pandemic times, renters across Kaua‘i are encouraged to
develop sustainable plans for the payment of rent and utilities without CRUA assistance.
Residents who have not received April benefits from CRUA and need assistance during the
month of April, or need assistance transitioning away from CRUA benefits, are welcome to contact the
Kaua‘i Financial Opportunity Center run by Hawaiian Community Assets. The Financial Opportunity
Center has HUD-certified counselors who can work with residents to find financial solutions that fit their
family, including grant and loan options. For assistance and more information on this service, please call
(808) 784-3841 or email kauaifoc@hawaiiancommunity.net.
For more information on Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program, visit
www.KauaiRentHelp.com or email rent@kgefcu.org.
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