Various Hawaii nonprofit organizations are trying to help alleviate financial challenges for local renters.
Several organizations have teamed up with the county to initiate possible adjustments to the Hawaii County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
“It’s important for our community to know that we are here for them and that we are doing all we can to make sure that these funds end up in the hands of those who need it most,” Hawaii County Mayor Mitch Roth said, according to Big Island Now. “We are asking everyone out there who may be experiencing a hard time to just try and apply. A little bit of help can go a long way in ensuring that our local families keep the roofs over their head as we head into the holiday season.”
Applicants will have to submit documents with their applications to be considered for rent or utility assistance, and they may contact the following organizations directly: Hope Services Hawaii, Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, Neighborhood Place of Puna, the Salvation Army, Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council and Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island.
Through ERAP, the County of Hawaii will provide grants to an estimated 2,000 local renter households. The support is limited to a year and three months of total grant assistance.
Qualifications include proof of financial hardship (provide an unemployment/PUA approval letter or request an attestation form from nonprofit providers to confirm financial hardship in writing) and 2020 or current annual gross household income at or below 80% of area median income for the number of members in their household, according to Big Island Now.