KAHULUI, Hawaii — Maui County announced the Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund Program is accepting applications from eligible homeowners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as homeowners displaced by the August 2023 wildfires.

What You Need To Know

  • Maui County has selected Catholic Charities Hawaii to administer the program and encourages homeowners to apply for assistance regardless of race, ethnicity or religious affiliation

  • The initial funding of $7 million is expected to help 117 to 280 homeowners with each applicant receiving up to $60,000 in financial assistance primarily for mortgage loans and qualified housing expenses

  • Following the first 100 completed applications, there will be a temporary pause for processing after which an announcement will be made for the next intake of applications

  • Individuals with questions can contact CCH by email at mauihafhelp@catholiccharitieshawaii.org or by phone at 808-873-4673, option 1 then 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

The MHAF Program is a COVID-19 program funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury intended to assist homeowners with mortgage and/or other qualified housing expenses, according to a county news release.

Maui County has selected Catholic Charities Hawaii to administer the program and encourages homeowners to apply for assistance regardless of race, ethnicity or religious affiliation.

Eligible homeowners will have incomes at or below 150% of the area median income and have experienced a COVID-19 related financial hardship after Jan. 21, 2020, which means a 10% reduction in household income or 10% increase in household expenses directly related to COVID-19. There are other eligibility requirements.

Those who qualify can receive financial assistance for mortgage, other qualified housing expenses and other resources that will help avoid foreclosure.

The initial funding of $7 million is expected to help 117 to 280 homeowners with each applicant receiving up to $60,000 in financial assistance primarily for mortgage loans and qualified housing expenses.

“Our community has withstood numerous waves of adversity over the past few years, and as our community recovers from these crises, we stand together to support our people with the help of experienced partners like Catholic Charities Hawaii,” said Mayor Richard Bissen in the release. “Although we experienced some operational delays, I have pledged my unwavering commitment to providing aid to our homeowners who desperately need financial assistance.”

Catholic Charities Hawaii CEO and President Rob Van Tassell said, “Many people are still struggling from the long-term financial impacts caused by the pandemic, in which their personal situation may have been exacerbated by the recent wildfires.”

Homeowners can apply and learn more about the program at Catholic Charities Hawaii Maui Homeowner Assistance Fund webpage.

Homeowners will need to fill out a prescreen questionnaire. If they meet eligibility requirements, they will receive a link to complete a full application. Only one application per household will be accepted. The process may take up to three to four months.

Following the first 100 completed applications, there will be a temporary pause for processing after which an announcement will be made for the next intake of applications.

According to the county, financial assistance will prioritize arrears first then future mortgage payments for up to 12 months or until the maximum assistance amount is reached, whichever comes first. Future payments for other qualified housing expenses are limited to a maximum three months or until the maximum assistance amount is reached, whichever comes first.

In order for eligible homeowners to receive assistance for other qualified housing expenses, they do not need to have an eligible mortgage per the release.

Other qualified housing expenses include homeowner association fees, planned unit development community association fees, leasehold fees, property taxes, utilities (water, sewer, trash, gas, electric), and homeowners insurance. Services such as HUD certified housing counseling or legal services may be offered.

CCH will work with each applicant’s mortgage or financial lender to determine the applicant’s funding eligibility. The approved amount will be paid directly to the mortgage company or a qualified housing expense provider subject to their acceptance.

Assistance will not be provided to homeowners on a reimbursement basis and cannot be provided to those receiving assistance from other programs for the same benefit period.

Individuals with questions can contact CCH by email at mauihafhelp@catholiccharitieshawaii.org or phone 808-873-4673, option 1 then 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.