LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union is offering in-person assistance this week and next for interested applicants of the county’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance (CRUA) Program.
KGEFCU has $8 million in rental assistance, Community Development Officer Dana Hazelton said, and have helped 900 households to date.
“We encourage all residents who are struggling with rent and utility payments to apply for this program, and we’re doing all we can to make this process as seamless as possible,” County Housing Agency Director Adam Roversi said in a release. “It’s also important to remember that the (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recent eviction ban is only temporary. That’s why it’s important to prepare sooner rather than later, and these in-person events are the perfect opportunity to learn more.”
In-person assistance will be offered:
• Wednesday, Sept. 8, Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex pavilion, Kapa‘a, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.;
• Thursday, Sept. 9, Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex pavilion, Kapa‘a, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.;
• Saturday, Sept. 18, Ho‘omana Thrift Store on Kuamo‘o Road in Wailua, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Required documentation should be prepared and on hand. For a list of documents, visit kauairenthelp.com/home and refer to the “Documents” tab.
Online applications are also being accepted at kauairenthelp.com/home.
The CRUA program is designed to support individuals and families to cover essential costs-of-living expenses as the economy recovers in the aftermath of the pandemic.
Eligible expenses include rental arrears, future rent and utilities in arrears for March 2020 through Dec. 2021.
Households that have been impacted, directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 pandemic and are past due on their rent and/or utilities are encouraged to apply for the program.
Funding will be limited to households’ primary residences on Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. Households will be limited to 12 months of total grant assistance. Details on eligibility requirements are also available in the frequently asked questions section of the website.
This program does not provide mortgage assistance.
Eligible applicants may receive up to $4,500 per month for rent and no cap per month for qualifying utilities. Information is required from both tenants and landlords in order for an application to be completed and qualify for the program. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants, with their consent.
Anyone needing auxiliary aids, service or other accommodations due to a disability should contact KGEFCU at rent@kgefcu.org as soon as possible. Please include “ADA” in the subject line of the email. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill them. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille and electronic copy.
Telephonic translation services are available for applicants in the following languages: Marshallese, Pohnpeian, Chuukese, Thai, Spanish, Ilocano, Tagalog and more. Anyone requiring translation services should call the KGEFCU Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program office at 808-482-3777 for assistance when applying.
Representatives from KGEFCU will also be available on site to answer questions regarding the state eviction moratorium being lifted and the CDC’s federal eviction ban.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be enforced.
More information on the CRUA Program is available at kauairenthelp.com/home. Interested households may also email rent@kgefcu.org for assistance with completing their application.
The CRUA Program is administered by KGEFCU, which was established in 1947 as a credit union of Kaua‘i.
