Rental Assistance Program That Gave $20M to Pause in April

The County of Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program (CRUA), administered by Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, has successfully distributed approximately $20 million in emergency rental assistance to Kaua‘i households suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic.

Officials announced that the CRUA program will temporarily pause for one month, in April, while the program transitions to a new funding source.

“This has been a tremendous infusion of much-needed assistance into our community,” said Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami. “We thank our partners with Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union and our Kaua‘i County Housing Agency for working together to help our residents find financial relief during the past two years of incredible hardship. We are grateful that a new round of funding is on the horizon, and thank our partners with Hawaiian Community Assets for helping our residents with the transitions ahead.”

While the program is paused in April, new applications may be submitted and will be reviewed. However, rent and utility payments will not be processed until CRUA reopens in May.

“Applicants in our CRUA program do not need to reapply, and we will do our best to ensure your financial assistance will continue without disruption in May,” said Adam Roversi, Housing Director. “Further, if you have recently applied, and are in process of finalizing your application, your application will continue to be processed and funded.”

Kaua‘i expects to receive an initial distribution of $2.26 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to continue funding the CRUA program in May. Officials also anticipate that Kaua‘i will receive additional funding after this initial amount is distributed. An update will be announced when more details are available.

As the island transitions to post-pandemic times, renters across Kaua‘i are encouraged to develop sustainable plans for the payment of rent and utilities without CRUA assistance.

Residents who have not received April benefits from CRUA and need assistance during the month of April, or need assistance transitioning away from CRUA benefits, are welcome to contact the Kaua‘i Financial Opportunity Center run by Hawaiian Community Assets. The Financial Opportunity Center has HUD-certified counselors who can work with residents to find financial solutions that fit their family, including grant and loan options. For assistance and more information on this service, call 808-784-3841 or email [email protected].

For more information on Kaua‘i’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program, visit www.KauaiRentHelp.com or email [email protected].