The Department of Administration’s (DOA) Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program launched March 3, 2021 to assist households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that are unable to pay rent and utilities. The ERA program services have been expanded to provide broader rental and utility assistance, easier access, and promote housing stability throughout the island. Since March 2021, the Guam Emergency Rental Assistance has distributed historic amounts of rental assistance to meet the unprecedented need created by the pandemic. The need for this critical assistance continues.
My business was affected by the COVID -19 pandemic because businesses were shutting down and employees were being furloughed and finding tenants during the pandemic was most challenging. I learned about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program from clients, friends, and colleagues in the industry who spoke well about the program. So, I thought “why not?” The whole process at ERA from the business license to the lease agreement was very business friendly. It allowed me to assist my tenants seamlessly with submitting documents and other paperwork. Since being a participating Landlord in the program, rents are being paid and families remain housed. I absolutely recommend the ERA program.
Si Yu’us Ma’ase ERA!!
The ERA program has most definitely assisted our business during these difficult times. We will continue to recommend the program because ERA has been extremely helpful in assisting our properties with our tenants to maintain their rent and utilities. Thus, our properties are not at a loss because of the hardship the pandemic has placed on some families.
Total Assistance
$42,279,562.46
Households Assisted
15,341
Displacement & Relocation Assistance
$3,067,199.73
Other
$270,178.87
As of 12/27/2024
Rent
$28,686,297.51
Electricity
$7,356,620.70
Water
$2,664,180.06
Trash
$235,085.59
I first learned of the Emergency Rental Assistance program and what it had to offer through local news. Due to COVID-19, the company had to close its doors with no estimated reopening date. I was unemployed for a few months but there were intermittent periods of work while the company was closed and through recovery. Our biggest worry was that we would have to move back in with our families if we could not keep up with our bills, because we both have senior family members with chronic health conditions. ERA assisted us with our utilities. The program really helped us with housing and utilities. We were assisted for 16 months. My roommate and I are grateful that we did not have to leave our home and risk anyone else’s health.
I would definitely recommend the program. I also appreciate that communication with the program was easy and consistent – anytime I had questions, I was able to call or email for answers and updates. There is no doubt in my mind that there are families out there that could benefit even more from the program.
I was a recipient with the ERA program for 18 months and it was a great help for me and my family. I had a full time job for 10 years before the COVID-19 Pandemic hit the whole world. I was laid off from my job. I was out of work for 14 months, and although I did get a job after, I was only working a total of 15 hours per week. Providing for my family was a struggle. I am a single mom with 3 kids. I wasn’t able to pay rent, and utility bills. I was already behind 3 months.
I applied for Guam Emergency Rental Assistance program but was disqualified. A good friend of mine advised me to request for an Appeal with ERA program and I was my Appeal was approved. ERA’s assistance for rent, power, water and internet bills has help us survived the pandemic. I am very thankful that to the government to extend this assistance for the island of Guam. A special thanks to ERA team for being helpful and patient to all their applicants. They work hard to provide the service to to help those in need of the assistance. They go above and beyond their duties.
With the challenges of the COVID -19 pandemic scare, my family and I were on the verge of homelessness. The pandemic impacted my household financially most especially since my work hours were cut or reduced. I learned about the Guam Emergency Rental Assistance program from my peers and applied via the DOA website. I was initially disqualified due to lack of awareness but I reached out to the ERA staff and was assisted with the information required.
The ERA program is assisting with rent and utilities and it is very helpful while prices of gas and food continue to rise.I am thankful the program’s continued assistance which is helping me and my family get back to normal. I would definitely recommend the program to everyone (renters). But applicants must have patience. The program works. Thank you to the ERA staff for their continued support. BIBA!!
Media and Press Release
Eligibility
The Tenant household must meet the following criteria:
1. Experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship, directly or indirectly, during COVID-19; and,
2. Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and,
3. To be eligible, the combined income of all persons in the household must fall at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI). Please see the updated AMI chart below.
How to Apply:
Emergency Rental Assistance Office
2nd floor ITC building Suite 219, Tamuning
8:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday Closed holidays.
(671) 638-4518/4519
Our Partners
Contact us:
(671) 638-4518/4519
Mon – Fri
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
590 SMarine Corps Dr ITC Building STE 219 Tamuning, Guam