Tamuning, Guam (May 12, 2023) – The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program is accepting new applications for its Cycle 6 period. The ERA program continuously works to address the financial challenges of thousands of families still impacted by the pandemic. Since launching in March 2021, the ERA Program has supported over 11,000 households with rental, utilities, displacement, and relocation relief benefits. A total of $30.1 million in islandwide relief assistance has been disbursed to help families avoid homelessness brought on by the pandemic and its residual effects. ERA’s Cycle 6 application period is open for those who need support or continued assistance. The combined financial aid of rent, rent arrears, utility, and utility arrears is available to qualified applicants. ERA strongly encourages households that are experiencing distress and are still affected because of the pandemic to apply now.
“For over two years, this program has safeguarded housing by helping thousands of renters get caught up on rent payments,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “As we commit to the work of building prosperity, we realize there is a continued need for rental assistance, and so we encourage those in need to apply for this new cycle of housing relief. Together, we will keep Guam moving forward.”
“By having at least a portion of rent and utilities covered, ERA recipients gain housing stability, financial well-being, and mental wellness,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “Through six cycles now, our administration has distributed over $30 million in rental and utility relief. We remain committed to ensuring our island maintains a strong recovery while building our housing inventory for the future.”
In its last cycle, ERA introduced the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rent (FMR) guidelines for Guam per guidance from the U.S. Department of Treasury. These guidelines permit the program to pay up to the FMR when documentation supporting actual rent paid is unavailable. The HUD FMR information, eligibility criteria, and online applications are available at doa.guam.gov. Hard copy applications can also be picked up and must be submitted with supporting documents at the Emergency Rental Assistance Office, 2nd floor Suite 219 in the ITC building in Tamuning, or at the Government of Guam Relief Center located on the 3rd floor of the Bank of Hawaii building in Hagåtña.
For more information, please call the ERA main office at 671-638-4518/4519 or the Government of Guam Relief Center at (671) 475-2060. Inquiries can also be sent to ERA@doa.guam.gov.