In-person Assistance Available Next Week for Rental, Utility Assistance Program

Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union (KGEFCU) is offering in-person assistance from Aug. 16 to 19, for interested applicants of the County of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program.

“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,” said Adam Roversi, housing director. “It’s also important to remember that the CDC’s recent eviction ban is only temporary. That’s why it’s important to prepare sooner rather than later, and next week’s events are the perfect opportunity to learn more.”

In-person assistance will be offered to applicants as follows:

• Monday, Aug. 16 – Hanapēpē Neighborhood Center, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Tuesday, Aug. 17 – KGEFCU Kīlauea Branch in the Ahuimanu Shopping Center, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Aug. 18 – Kalāheo Neighborhood Center, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Thursday, Aug. 19 – The Hanalei Initiative, suite E-205 on Kūhiō Highway, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Required documentation should be prepared and on hand. For a list of documents, please visit www.KauaiRentHelp.com/home and refer to the “Documents” tab.

Online applications are also being accepted at www.KauaiRentHelp.com/home.

The 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility 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 December 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 residence 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 FAQ 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.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, contact KGEFCU at [email protected] as soon as possible. Include “ADA” in the subject line of the email. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Telephonic translation services are available for applicants in the following languages: Marshallese, Pohnpeian, Chuukese, Thai, Spanish, Ilocano, Tagalog, and more. If you require translation services, please call our Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program office at 808-482-3777 for assistance when applying.

Representatives from KGEFCU will also be available onsite 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 Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program will be provided on www.KauaiRentHelp.com/home. Interested households may also email [email protected] for assistance with completing their application.

The County of Kaua‘i’s 2021 Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program is administered by Kaua‘i Government Employees Federal Credit Union (KGEFCU), which was established in 1947 as a credit union of Kaua‘i and for Kaua‘i, dedicated to those who build, teach, protect, and care for the island of Kaua‘i.

KGEFCU is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designated by the US Department of Treasury. Their mission as a not-for-profit, community-owned financial institution is to strengthen the social fabric of Kaua‘i.