2020-10-01 County CARES Act Rent & Mortgage Assistance Program Expansion -- Press Release

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Roy Takemoto Managing Director Harry Kim Mayor Barbara J. Kossow Deputy Managing Director County of Hawai‘i Office of the Mayor 25 Aupuni Street, Suite 2603  Hilo, Hawai‘i 96720  (808) 961-8211  Fax (808) 961-6553 KONA: 74-5044 Ane Keohokālole Hwy., Bldg C  Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i 96740 (808) 323-4444  Fax (808) 323-4440 October 1, 2020 NEWS RELEASE Contact: Diane Ley Diane.ley@hawaiicounty.gov or 961-8368 County CARES Act Rent & Mortgage Assistance Program Expansion The Hawai‘i County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program (RMAP) announced today its six Hawaii Island-based nonprofit partners have disbursed more than $1.2 million in housing grants to 338 island households in the program’s first 4 weeks. The nonprofit partner organizations are now disbursing approximately $1 million per week and are on track to spend down $7.25 million by November 30, 2020. Key to the program’s success has been the partnership between the program’s lead agency, Hawai‘i Community Lending (HCL), and Hawai‘i County in modifying the RMAP to address barriers for applicants, application processing, and encouraging more residents to apply. County residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19 may be eligible for up to $2,000 per month for rent, lease, or mortgage payments. The previous grant limit was $1,000 per month. Other changes include reimbursement for payments made with personal resources, such as savings, credit cards, personal loans, or assistance from family or friends. In addition, households who entered into a forbearance or payment agreement with their mortgage lender or landlord for payments that were due between March and December 2020 may now be eligible. Residents who previously applied to RMAP and were rejected are encouraged to reapply. Diane Ley, director of the County’s Department of Research and Development said: “By increasing the monthly rent and mortgage assistance allotment will better match the high cost of housing and further cushion impacted families in the months ahead. The County urges all families who have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply. Do not disqualify yourself; instead, work with the County’s partners, as they are available to assist.” County of Hawai‘i is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.