As pandemic-era rent relief program winds down, city to host enrollment event

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - If you’re planning to apply for the city’s rent relief program, help is available.

The city’s Rental and Utility Relief Program will host a community enrollment event on July 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nanakuli Public Library.

The event will help first-time applicants enroll in the pandemic-era program, which is winding down before transitioning to Housing Stabilization services.

The program has allowed those who experienced economic hardship during the pandemic to avoid eviction by accessing American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“The Rental and Utility Relief Program has prevented thousands of evictions, kept families together, and provided stable housing for our neighbors,” said Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, in a statement.

RURP has stimulated over $300 million into the Oahu economy, mostly going towards landlords or affordable housing, the city said.

Renters can meet with RURP workers by appointment, and are asked to bring identification, social security cards, valid rent agreements, unpaid bills, income documents and proof of economic hardship since 2020.

To make an appointment, contact the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement at rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org or call (808) 596-8155.