More help is available for residents impacted by severe storms in March.
Back-to-back Kona Low storms brought heavy rains and catastrophic flooding to the Islands, prompting evacuations and causing more than an estimated $1 billion in damage. A presidential disaster declaration was issued for the two storms in April.
Now homeowners and renters affected by the storms can apply for grants up to $1,000 from the Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation.
The foundation — the nonprofit charitable arm of Hawai‘i Realtors, itself a professional trade organization founded in 1967 with more than 10,000 active members involved in all aspects of Hawai‘i real estate — will distribute a total of $200,000 in grants.
According to a recent announcement, the funds are provided by the Realtors Relief Foundation, which offers housing-related assistance to communities affected by disasters. That organization has disbursed more than $52 million to more than 30,000 families across the country since 2001, the announcement notes, adding that the National Association of Realtors works with state and local associations to cover all administrative costs.
"The Kona Low storms caused significant damage across our Islands, and we acted as quickly as possible to help those who were hit hardest," Moana Andersen, president of the Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation, told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "Housing is at the core of everything we do, so we are proud to partner with the Realtors Relief Foundation on this effort. Because the national organization covers all administrative costs, every dollar goes directly to the people who need it. This kind of support matters not just for the individuals and families receiving grants, but also for our members, who are making a real difference in the communities they serve."
Applications are now open and will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis through July 1, the announcement noted. They'll be reviewed by the Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation.
Andersen says that the grants are designed specifically for housing-related needs because of the Kona Low storms.
"The Realtors Relief Foundation focuses on helping disaster-impacted residents — whether someone is a homeowner dealing with flood damage or a renter facing displacement-related expenses, the funds are intended to address those core housing needs," she says.
According to the program website, you're eligible if:
- You own your primary residence, pay a monthly mortgage and there was physical property damage due to the storm.
- You own your primary residence with no mortgage and there was physical property damage due to the storm.
- You have a new lease or lease agreement due to displacement from your primary residence as a result of the storm.
- If you rent your primary residence, were evacuated and incurred a hotel or Airbnb expense because of the storm.
Hawai‘i Realtors Charitable Foundation has distributed nearly $2 million since it launched in 2020, Andersen says. According to its website, the foundation is supported by the "generosity of our members."
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Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
