NMI gets $1M to help with housing

The CNMI has been awarded $1,090,630 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Emergency Solutions Grants Program, which aims to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.

The Northern Marianas Housing Corp has been designated as the administering agency for this program. 

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres noted that the grant will be used for homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing for families and individuals that fit the criteria under the program. “We are pleased that we have been awarded this grant to assist our people with housing needs during this unprecedented time. Sixty percent of the grant will be used for homelessness prevention to assist families who are at risk of homelessness, while 40% will be used for rapid rehousing to assist those who fall under the category of homelessness. Especially after Super Typhoon Yutu, we want to make sure that housing needs on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota are addressed, and this program will help achieve that goal,” said Torres. 

Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios said that 25% of the entire grant will be set aside for the elderly and disabled, as well as 6% of the entire allocation will be for Rota and Tinian, respectively. 

“Together with NMHC, our goal is to combat homelessness and address housing issues on all three islands, and this grant will certainly provide this essential assistance to our community, especially our elderly and disabled who are our most vulnerable, as well as Rota and Tinian residents during this unprecedented time,” said Palacios. 

ESG Financial Assistance for qualified and approved applicants will be for one year and includes 100% rental assistance, security deposit, utility deposit and utility allowance, plus assistance for up to six months in arrears. 

Qualified families must meet HUD income limits (NMHC will assist in this determination). Applicants must be U.S. Citizens or qualified aliens and present documentation of how COVID-19 has impacted their housing situation, such as being furloughed, unemployed, underemployed, or having to share housing with others. 

“Pre-applications will be available at the NMHC offices on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. We will process intake every 15 days by batches on a first come, first serve basis. We expect to assist close to 110 eligible families with this grant. We thank Gov. Torres and Lt. Gov. Palacios for their leadership and partnership to ensure assistance to our must vulnerable families,” said NMHC corporate director Jesse Palacios. 

For more information on the ESG program, contact Tricia Tenorio or Sweetielyn Sokau at (670) 234-6866. 
NMHC will be providing additional updates and information to the public soon. (PR)