HONOLULU — The Rental and Utility Relief Program of the City & County of Honolulu has received new funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and has added a key eligibility requirement. Oahu residents who need assistance are urged to apply through their website.

There are various factors for qualification, which can be one of the following: at least one member is unemployed for 90 days at the time of application; household median incomes should show to be at 80% or lower, i.e. for a household of four is $96,650 a year or less. The newest factor is now a household member can indicate financial harm that occurred during the pandemic is a risk factor for losing their home. For more information, see the FAQ section of the City & County of Honolulu posting.

The two community partners cooperating in the assistance and application process are Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

This assistance does not extend to mortgages. Those seeking mortgage assistance can contact O’ahu Homeowner Assistance Fund via their website.

If an eviction notice has been received, mediation services are offered at no cost by calling the Mediation Center of the Pacific immediately at 808-807-0080. According to the Rental and Utility Relief Program, 90% of renters who enter mediation reach some sort of settlement with their landlord.