Two More Application Events for the City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program
HONOLULU -- The pandemic-era Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) is holding two more events for first-time applicants as the program continues to wind down and transition to Housing Stabilization Services.
Renters who have never received RURP help can apply on Saturday, April 13, or Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement’s (CNHA) Kapolei office, 91-1270 Kinoiki St., Building 1. Appointments are required. Renters can contact CNHA at (808) 596-8155 or rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org to make an appointment.
Renters should bring:
● Government ID card for the head of household.
● Signed Social Security cards for everyone over 18.
● Valid rent agreement.
● Proof of financial hardship since March 13, 2020.
● Income documents for every household member.
● Unpaid rent or utility bills or eviction notice.
Funding is limited and no application is guaranteed funding.
“The Rental and Utility Relief Program and our extraordinary partners Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement have lifted up our community during the chaos of the pandemic and for those facing ongoing economic challenges,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Together, they have prevented untold thousands of evictions, kept families together, and provided much needed stable housing for our neighbors. Housing Stabilization Services will continue that vital work with families at risk of losing their housing.”
Expressing gratitude, Mayor Blangiardi emphasized the significant impact of the program and its partners in retaining thousands of affordable housing units by collaborating with landlords and property managers. Over the past three years, this collaboration has resulted in the preservation of affordable housing, with an estimated injection of over $300 million into Oʻahu’s economy, primarily benefiting local landlords.
The U.S. Department of Treasury has recognized the program as one of the nation’s top rent and utility relief projects.
Housing Stabilization Services
RURP providers Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement will continue to provide long-term housing assistance to eligible renters in the rent and utility program through Housing Stabilization Services. These include:
● Housing counseling and case management.
● Eviction diversion and mediation for renters and landlords.
● Referral to job training and other social services.
● And household budgets and family finances.
More Options for Renters
While RURPʻs financial assistance is winding down, renters on Oʻahu have other options for help staying safely housed or paying some household bills:
● Mediation is a no-cost service that often helps renters and landlords agree on payment plans. Renters can contact The Mediation Center of the Pacific at (808) 521-6767, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit mediatehawaii.org.
● The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii can advise renters about their rights. Contact them at (808) 536-4302, Monday to Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m., or visit legalaidhawaii.org
● The FCC’s Lifeline program can pay up to $111 a year for internet bills. Visit lifelinesupport.org to apply.
● Contact Aloha United Way for a comprehensive list of relief services by calling 2-1-1 or visit auw.org.
Renters can also visit revitalizeoahu.org/renthelp to find more support programs from nonprofits.
