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Everyone needs to know the repercussions that have taken place from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
FEMA decided to give landlords $5,000 or more for a one-bedroom rental, which led to ohana were being evicted so they could get this money.
The state then stepped in and made that illegal, so landlords waited for leases to end and then jumped on the FEMA money train.
My ohana and many others have been homeless for months. I have gone to multiple places to get an affordable place or homeless shelter, but the list is so long.
I have experienced, rude realtors and management companies because my credit score is not up to par with their standards. I have been told me and my two sons are "too many people" for anything from a studio to a two bedroom. I know many getting the FEMA money when their rental is empty, while ohana are homeless and in their vehicles.
I work multiple hotels and other places and I have a truck payment, and a storage payment, cell phones, not to mention food and trying to help friends that have been kind enough to let us stay with them. The prices we are being asked to pay and have slim amount of people staying in a rental is overwhelming and disappointing.
We are all in this together. We are ohana. Many of us were quick to help our brothers and sisters when the fires ravaged our community. So why are we being divided?
Desiree Mendez
Kihei