Recognizing the urgency, the program was promptly reopened to accommodate an additional 2,000 applications.
Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program is aimed at assisting eligible renters with up to six months of rent and utility expenses
The city revealed that the surge in applications was fueled by an extraordinary response from residents, resulting in 2,000 new applications flooding in within the short time frame.
To support this increased demand, the Honolulu City Council approved the allocation of $25 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. As long as funds remain available, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring timely assistance for eligible individuals and families.
Since its inception, the program has been a crucial lifeline for Oahu residents and families who faced significant financial hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The city reported that over 16,000 families have already received approximately $216 million in federal funds through this initiative.
The city, in collaboration with Catholic Charities Hawaii and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, has organized in-person application events
The first event is scheduled to take place on June 19 at Nanakuli Public Library. However, due to overwhelming demand, all appointment slots for this event have already been filled.
Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program continues to strive to meet the pressing needs of the community, providing crucial financial support to those adversely affected by the pandemic’s economic repercussions.
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