Over $12.1M in ERA Relief Released as of March 17, 2022
Hagåtña, Guam – The Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration delivered an additional $1.1 million in direct relief to 151 qualified rental households this week through the Guam Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program. The Department of Administration (DOA) has distributed a total of $12.1 million in ERA funding since the program launched in March 2021, including $9,443,068 in rental and displacement assistance and $2,664,335 in utility assistance.
“To date, our administration has been dedicated to delivering relief to people in need, especially those struggling to secure their home and health,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero. “As we emerge from the pandemic, the people of Guam can join our recovery and reach for opportunities that offer gainful employment and a stronger standing in our collective future.”
“The ERA Program has received a total of 5,587 pre-applications, urging us to continue helping families facing financial hardship,” said Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio. “If you have experienced income loss or other pandemic-related factors affecting your ability to pay rent or utilities, please apply for relief now and join the 3,401 applicants who received rental household assistance.”
ERA awards are distributed directly to landlords and utility companies on behalf of renters. Assistance is limited to 12 months of arrears and cannot be provided for rental and or utility arrears incurred prior to March 2020. The program ends on September 30, 2022.
Applicants must meet the program’s three eligibility criteria:
- Qualified for Unemployment Benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.
- Demonstrates a risk of homelessness or experiencing housing instability.
- Has a household income at or below 80% of the Guam Area Median Income.
