Mayor Michael Victorino last week encouraged more residents to apply for the Maui County Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program.

The county reported that 151 West Side families have applied for assistance, and more than 250 households are now receiving help from the program.

So far, residents have received more than $675,000 to make overdue rent and utility payments.

“Those who think they might be eligible should look into the program and apply for help,” Mayor Victorino said. “The Federal Treasury has given Maui Country quite a bit of funding because so many here were laid off or lost work hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many fell behind on rent and utility payments, so we’re encouraging those residents to apply for financial help through this program.”

The Maui County Emergency Rental Assistance Program can help to pay rent or utility debts going back to March 13, 2020, current bills or future bills, depending upon a household’s needs.

Those who received previous rent or utility assistance from other COVID-19 relief programs — but still need assistance — are also encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to applicants who have a household income less than 50 percent of the area median income for Maui County, or have at least one household member who has been unemployed for at least 90 days at the time of application and is still unemployed.

For qualifying households, the program will pay up to $2,500 a month in back rent and unpaid utility bills; up to $2,000 for future rent payments; and up to $500 a month for future electric, water and sewer and gas bills. Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, with payments made directly to a landlord or utility company.

Those who would like more information, or want to apply, should go to https://mauicounty.gov/MauiRentHelp for more information, or call Maui County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program Help Line at (808) 873-4673.