Navigating Maui’s Affordable Housing Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide to Securing Low Income Housing Applications and Relocation Assistance

maui low income housing application,Affordable Housing & Relocation

Quick Facts

• The Maui County low-income housing application is available online and at local housing authority offices.
• To be eligible, applicants must meet income and family size requirements, which vary by program.
• The application process typically involves submitting documentation, such as proof of income and identification.
• Priority is given to applicants who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or have other special needs.
• The Maui County Housing Division offers various affordable housing programs, including rental assistance and homeownership opportunities.
• Applicants can expect to wait several months to several years for their application to be processed and for housing to become available.
• The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program is one of the most popular affordable housing programs in Maui County.
• Relocation assistance may be available to help low-income households move to more affordable housing.
• The County of Maui also offers down payment assistance and other forms of assistance to help low-income households become homeowners.
• Applicants can check the status of their application online or by contacting the Maui County Housing Division directly.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is Low-Income Housing?
• Eligibility Criteria
• Application Process
• Affordable Housing Options
• Relocation Options
• Frequently Asked Questions

Maui Low-Income Housing Application: Affordable Housing & Relocation Options

As a licensed real estate company in Hawaii, Hawaii Elite Real Estate understands the challenges of finding affordable housing on the island. The rising cost of living in Maui has left many families struggling to find a place to call home. In this article, we will explore the process of applying for low-income housing in Maui and provide insights into affordable housing and relocation options.

What is Low-Income Housing?

Low-income housing is designed for individuals and families with incomes below a certain threshold, typically 50-80% of the area median income (AMI). In Maui, the AMI is $113,140 for a family of four, which translates to a gross income of $45,364 per year for a single person.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for low-income housing in Maui, applicants must meet certain criteria, including:

• Income: Must have a gross income below the AMI, as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Family size: The number of people living in the household, including children and dependents
• Residency: Must have a Maui address or demonstrate a strong connection to the island
• Household structure: Must be a one-bedroom, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom household

Application Process

The low-income housing application process in Maui involves the following steps:

1. Pre-Application: Contact the Maui Housing and Human Services (MHHS) department to determine eligibility and obtain an application form.
2. Application: Complete the application form and submit required documentation, including proof of income, identification, and residency.
3. Waiting List: Submit the application to the MHHS department, and be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list is typically 1-5 years long.
4. Selection Process: The MHHS department will select applicants based on a weighted lottery system, taking into account factors such as income, family size, and residency.

Important Documents Required

Affordable Housing Options

While waiting for low-income housing, applicants can explore affordable housing options on the island, including:

• Section 8 Housing Voucher Program: A federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income families.
• Hawaii Public Housing: A state program that offers rental assistance to low-income families.
• Mixed-Income Housing: Private developers offering affordable housing options, often with rent subsidies.

Affordable Housing Tax Credits

The State of Hawaii offers affordable housing tax credits to developers who build affordable housing units. This program provides incentives for private developers to create affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families.

Maui Affordable Housing Programs

Some notable affordable housing programs in Maui include:

• Maui’s Affordable Housing Fund: A program providing subsidies for down payment and closing costs on affordable housing units.
• Maui Habitat for Humanity: A nonprofit organization building affordable housing units for low-income families.

Relocation Options

Applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria for low-income housing in Maui may consider relocation options, including:

• Outer Islands: Less expensive islands such as Kauai or the Big Island, offering similar quality of life.
• Mainland United States: More affordable cities on the mainland, such as Portland or Austin, offering similar job opportunities.
• Referral Services: Companies like Hawaii Elite Real Estate can offer relocation services to help find affordable housing off-island.

Cost of Living Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Q: What is the Maui Low Income Housing Application process?
  A: The Maui Low Income Housing Application process involves submitting an application to the Maui County Housing Division to determine eligibility for low income housing programs
• Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Maui Low Income Housing?
  A: To be eligible for Maui Low Income Housing, applicants must meet income limits set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and have a valid social security number
• Q: What documents are required for the application?
  A: Required documents include proof of income, identification, and residency
• Q: How long does the application process take?
  A: The application process can take several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the application and the number of applicants
• Q: What is Affordable Housing in Maui?
  A: Affordable Housing in Maui refers to housing that is priced so that the monthly housing costs are no more than 30 percent of the household’s gross income
• Q: What are the benefits of Affordable Housing?
  A: The benefits of Affordable Housing include reduced housing costs, increased stability, and improved quality of life
• Q: How do I apply for Affordable Housing in Maui?
  A: To apply for Affordable Housing in Maui, contact the Maui County Housing Division or a non-profit housing organization that provides affordable housing
• Q: What is Relocation Assistance in Maui?
  A: Relocation Assistance in Maui refers to the process of moving from one home to another with the help of financial assistance and other support services
• Q: Am I eligible for Relocation Assistance in Maui?
  A: To be eligible for Relocation Assistance in Maui, applicants must meet income limits and have a valid reason for relocation, such as a housing emergency
• Q: What are the steps in the Relocation process?
  A: The steps in the Relocation process include applying for relocation assistance, finding a new home, and receiving financial assistance to help with moving costs
• Q: What kind of support services are available for Relocation?
  A: Support services available for Relocation include housing counseling, financial assistance, and help with finding a new home

Resources & Links

• Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation
• Maui County Affordable Housing Initiatives
• National Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Affordable Housing
• Maui Homeless Impact Assessment and Plan

For Buyers & Sellers

As a Home Buyer, the lack of affordable housing options in Maui has made it extremely challenging to find a place to call home. The high prices of homes, coupled with limited housing inventory, have led to a competitive market where only a select few can afford to purchase a home.

As a Home Seller, I have been hesitant to sell my property listed on the market due to the lack of affordable housing options available for potential buyers. I know that the high prices of homes in Maui are a reflection of the limited housing supply, which has driven up prices and made it difficult for buyers to purchase homes.