How you can apply for free rental, utilities assistance in Honolulu

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The City of Honolulu’s Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP) is holding a special event to help new applicants as the program transitions to Housing Stabilization Services.

This is a fantastic opportunity for those in need of assistance to get support.

First-time applicants can apply on Wednesday, July 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Nānākuli Public Library, located at 89-070 Farrington Highway in Waiʻanae.

To apply, renters should bring:

• Government ID card for the head of household.
• Signed Social Security cards for everyone at least 18 years old.
• 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 email rurp@hawaiiancouncil.org to make an appointment. Funding is limited, and no application is guaranteed funding.

Mayor Rick Blangiardi expressed his gratitude for the program.

“The Rental and Utility Relief Program and our extraordinary partners Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement have lifted up our community during the chaos of the pandemic and for those facing ongoing economic challenges. Together, they have prevented thousands of evictions, kept families together, and provided stable housing for our neighbors. Housing Stabilization Services will continue that vital work with families at risk of losing their housing.”

— Mayor Blangiardi

Councilmember Andria Tupola (District I) added, “I want to help local families live in Hawaiʻi for generations to come. The Rental and Utility Relief Program has been a lifeline for many, and this enrollment event is a crucial opportunity for renters to access support. Please join us and share with those in need.”

Impact and future support

The RURP has injected over $300 million into Oʻahu’s economy, mainly benefiting local landlords and affordable housing units.

The U.S. Department of Treasury has recognized it as one of the nation’s top rent and utility relief projects.

Even as the RURP winds down, support continues through Housing Stabilization Services provided by Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

These services include:

• Housing counseling and case management.
• Eviction diversion and mediation for renters and landlords.
• Referrals to job training and other social services.
• Financial literacy training for household budgets and family finances.

More help for renters

While RURP’s financial assistance is ending, there are other options for renters on Oʻahu:

• Mediation Center of the Pacific offers free services to help renters and landlords agree on payment plans. Contact them at (808) 521-6767 or click here.
• The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii provides advice about renters’ rights. Call them at (808) 536-4302 or click here.
• The FCC’s Lifeline program helps pay up to $111 annually for internet bills. Click here to apply.
• Aloha United Way offers a comprehensive list of relief services. Call 2-1-1 or click here.

For more support programs, renters can click here.

This event is a crucial opportunity for those struggling to keep up with rent and utility bills. Don’t miss out on the chance to get the help you need!