Cayetano releases Hawaii residents affected by the state's economic slowdown after Sept. 11 can get rental assistance through a new program announced yesterday by Gov. Ben Cayetano.
$1 million for renters
The rental assistance program is aimed
at people hurt by the economic slowdownStar-Bulletin staff
The $1 million program, dubbed EAGL, for Emergency Assistance Grant and Loan, provides emergency housing, rent and utilities payments to those in need.
The payments will be for a maximum of $1,000 a household every 60 days for as long as there is money in the state fund.
The payments will be made directly to the landlord, management firm or utility, according to Cayetano.
The funds come from a special appropriation made by the Legislature during the recent special session to address the economic fallout from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Persons are eligible for the grants or loans if they were laid off or had their hours significantly reduced after Sept. 11. The loans and grants are available only to those who have liquid assets, such as bank or savings accounts or stocks, of less than $5,000.
The program will be available through the Salvation Army Families Services and Catholic Charities Family Services; Oahu, Kauai and Maui Economic Opportunity offices; Maui Economic Concerns office; East Hawaii Coalition for the Homeless; and Big Island Office of Social Ministry.
