Nearly three years since Super Typhoon Mawar touched down on Guam, long-term recovery efforts are finally picking up speed. A new housing program from the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority is now offering millions of dollars in relief to help families rebuild.

At Adelup on Tuesday, a long-awaited step forward was made in Guam’s ongoing recovery from Mawar. Three years after the storm devastated homes across the island, GHURA officially launched ‘Guma Na Maolek’ – meaning ‘Make Homes Good’ in Fino’ CHamoru. The program marks the first rollout of $500.8 million in federal disaster recovery funding – aimed at helping families still living with the damage left behind.

Under the half-billion dollar ‘Fix In Six’ grant, eligible homeowners can now apply for up to $350,000 to repair or rebuild their homes. GHURA deputy director Fernando Esteves says this moment represents more than just funding, but federal confidence in Guam’s ability to deliver.

“We have the grant agreement for the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery, representing full access to the over half-a-billion dollars in disaster recovery funds for the long-term recovery from Typhoon Mawar," he explained.

And beginning this week, applications are open as the US Department of Housing and Urban Development formally certifies GHURA's financial and grant management systems – clearing the way for funds to reach the community.

Acting Governor Josh Tenorio calling it a turning point, especially for families who may have fallen through the cracks of other federal aid programs. “We have situations where we have family homes – Mom and Dad died 30 years ago, there’s so many complications that they missed timelines to be able to get support. So, this program on the housing side is going to enable a whole bunch of people at a good time," he said.

And the program focuses on more than just repairs. Through its owner-occupied rehabilitation and reconstruction track homes will be rebuilt or fortified with storm-resilient features — designed to better withstand future typhoons. But there are limits.

Funds cannot be used for luxury upgrades, mortgage payments, or costs already covered by insurance or other federal aid. Homeowners must also agree to continue living in the property for 5-20 years, depending on the level of assistance, or risk funds being “recaptured”.

Acting Governor Tenorio says for many this program arrives right when it’s needed most, noting, “Many times – i’m sure you’ve heard this when doing your community consultation – people didn’t feel that they were able to get the help they expected from the government and so for that portion of the program, it really comes at a good time to keep people safe or get them to a safer place.”

To qualify, applicants must show they owned and lived in their home at the time of mawar and meet specific income guidelines. Priority will go to lower-income households — and to those displaced in hardest-hit areas like Dededo and Yigo.

In addition to housing, the broader funding will also support public infrastructure, economic recovery, and future mitigation efforts.

For more information or to apply — visit http://www.guamcdbg.org/.