“The residents have extremely limited options when it comes to home improvement and other available assistance, especially the less fortunate,” she said.
She asked NMHC to provide resources to Rota residents who are “in dire need of improving their homes for safety and efficiency, most especially those who are financially and physically incapable.”
Santos, in her letter to NMHC corporate director Joshua Sasamoto, said residents on Rota suffer from the highest cost of living in the CNMI.
“While the need to improve their housing exists, the people are challenged with prioritizing their food, utilities and transportation needs, leaving housing improvements unaccounted for after all expenses are paid,” said Santos, Ind.-Rota.
In his reply, Sasamoto said their office administers the HOME program which is U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded, and it assists in homebuyer and homeowner rehabilitation and renovation activities.
“We are cognizant of the plight of our citizens, especially from Rota, due to the economic downturn and high cost of living,” he said.
Sasamoto said the HOME program is only for low-income households and is available to Rota, Tinian and Saipan residents.
Aside from income eligibility requirement, he said there are other federal and local requirements that applicants must meet.
He told Santos that their field office on Rota is available and ready to assist anyone who is interested in rehabilitating and renovating their house.
The Saipan office is also happy to assist Rota residents should they want to contact NMHC directly, he said.
