Kauaʻi County will temporarily suspend its rental relief program next month. But government officials will still be accepting new applications for assistance.
Since May 2021, Kauaʻi’s rental and utility assistance program has given roughly $20 million to 1,600 households.
The program primarily helps renters hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, either through financial hardship or a loss of income.
The county, with the help of the Kauaʻi Federal Credit Union, could give up to $4,500 a month in rent.
In August, Kauaʻi Housing Director Adam Roversi told HPR the program had a pool of $22 million.
Kauaʻi is expecting to receive another $2.2 million from the American Rescue Plan for the rental and utility relief program.
However, the county is temporarily pausing the program for the month of April in order to transition to a new funding source.
During this time, new applications can still be submitted and reviewed, but will not receive assistance until May — when the program will restart.
Those already receiving relief from the program don’t have to reapply, and will continue to get financial assistance for April.
If you have not received April benefits, the county advises reaching out to the Kauaʻi Financial Opportunity Center.
But as the island transitions into a post-pandemic era, Kauaʻi county officials are encouraging renters to develop a plan to pay for rent and utilities without the program’s benefits.
More information can be found at kauairenthelp.com.
