Homeowner Assistance Fund program for Kauai and Hawaii counties closing May 1

LIHUE, Hawaii —  Kauai County’s Housing Agency reminds residents that the county’s Homeowner Assistance Fund program, in partnership with Hawaii Community Lending, will close its application portal on May 1.

Both Kauai and Hawaii counties participated in the HAF program funded through the American Rescue Plan that was signed into law by the Biden Administration to prevent foreclosure in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The announcement comes as HCL, the counties’ nonprofit administrator, projects the funding for the program will be “fully obligated” by Sept. 30, according to a news release.

Therefore, homeowners residing on Kauai and Hawaii Island interested in applying for the program must submit complete applications no later than 11:59 a.m. April 30 to be considered for funding. Eligibility requirements and applications are available online on the HCL website.

“We are incredibly grateful to our partners at Hawaii Community Lending for helping our residents every step of the way since the pandemic,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami in the release. “Because of this program, many of our families experiencing financial challenges were provided the guidance and support to remain in their homes.”

According to HCL Executive Director Jeff Gilbreath, the HAF program helped prevent foreclosures for 1,043 homeowners in Kauai and Hawaii counties since it launched in October 2021. Over $8.1 million in both counties (which includes $3 million on Kauai) has been disbursed to help homeowners reduce monthly mortgage payments; bring loans, property taxes, HOA fees, homeowners’ insurance and utility bills current; and for forward going payments.

“We mahalo the counties for their partnership in keeping our families in homes and the resiliency of our families who have been faced with hardship due to COVID,” said Gilbreath. “This public-private partnership is a demonstration of what is possible when nonprofits and counties work together to deliver federally funded programs that serve our families who are most in need.”