MEO rental assistance programs serve Maui lower income tenants

Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) is a nonprofit organization that operates a rental assistance program to help tenants who have experienced financial problems.

Subsidy Rental Assistance Program

If you are threatened with eviction or homelessness, then you may qualify for subsidized rent. MEO can help your family receive the rental assistance you need to avoid becoming another statistic.

Homeless households will definitely have priority over others. If you are currently in a home but are at risk of becoming homeless, then your application will also be taken seriously. Other potential applicants could include tenants who are in unsafe living situations.

MEO operates a Community Services Department which will accept your application and review your documentation. They will confirm that your household meets eligibility requirements. One requirement is that your documented income does not exceed 80% of the median household income for Maui County.

If you have received an eviction notice, you will need to supply this to the agency. A copy of your lease will also be needed, whether it be the previous lease or your new proposed lease.

You could get funds to pay for a portion of your rent. Your landlord will need to agree to the receipt of funds from the agency as a condition of funding. They will be asked to sign a payment arrangement that you will also need to agree to.

Applicants should note that the Subsidy Rental Assistance Program does not help with back rent payments. Additionally, you cannot use the funds to pay the first month’s rent or the security deposit on a new rental unit. It is strictly to subsidize your regular rent payment. If you need emergency help, you will need to be referred to one of the other Maui rental assistance programs that provide for those needs.

Emergency Needs

Up to $500 may be awarded to an eligible household to help with emergency expenses. The funding may be used towards back rent, current rent, first month’s rent or a security deposit. Clothing, food, dental, vision and other medical costs may also be eligible needs.

Funding comes from a $10,000 grant from the Teresa F. Hughes Trust. MEO can help you apply for the Teresa F. Hughes Trust Persons in Need Program.

For more information, call 808-249-2970 or visit online.