HONOLULU – The City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) is hosting a community enrollment event for new applicants as it transitions past participants to Housing Stabilization Services.
First-time applicants can apply on Friday, August 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Makiki District Park (Old Makiki Community Library), 1527 Keeaumoku St. Bldg 42, 2nd FL, Honolulu, HI 96822.
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.
Appointments are required. Renters can contact CNHA at (808) 596-8155 or rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org to make an appointment. Funding is limited, and no application is guaranteed funding.
“The Rental and Utility Relief Program, in collaboration with our remarkable partners Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, has been a lifeline for our community throughout the pandemic and for those still facing financial difficulties,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Their efforts have stopped thousands of evictions, preserved family units, and secured housing stability for many. Our Housing Stabilization Services will build on this essential work, supporting families with services to keep them safely housed.”
“I am deeply thankful for the City’s Rental and Utility Relief Program,” said District 5 Councilmember Calvin Say. “There remains a critical need for housing and utility support for our families. This program is essential in aiding our community’s recovery and rebuilding efforts post-pandemic.”
The RURP has injected over $300 million into Oʻahu’s economy, earning the U.S. Department of Treasury’s recognition 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
- Financial literacy training for household budgets and family finances
Those interested may contact Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi at (808) 524-4673 and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at (808) 204-2722.
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 free service that often helps renters and landlords reach an agreement on payment plans. Renters can contact The Mediation Center of the Pacific at (808) 521-6767 on 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 annually 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.
—PAU—
