Islanders needing help with the rent during the pandemic emergency are getting some relief, thanks to a joint program begun this month with the Permanent Endowment for Martha’s Vineyard and the Dukes County Regional Housing Authority.

As of Tuesday, the emergency rental relief program has provided financial support to 24 households currently living in unsubsidized rental housing, with aid totaling $31,835. The program has received 33 applications and is accepting more requests, said David Vigneault, executive director of the housing authority.

The funding provides a one-time emergency payment of up to one month’s rent. Mr. Vigneault said they hope to provide as much rent relief to Island households as funding allows.

“Maybe people start getting unemployment and the need lessens, or there is a second wave and the need increases. It is very uncertain,” he said. “But in real time, there are a lot of folks who need some form of emergency support to get through.”

Acceptance into the program is based on gross household income, documented monthly rent payment and an explanation of coronavirus related financial disruption. Assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis, at the discretion of the housing authority. Tenants in properties and other programs administered by the housing authority can only be considered if funding allows.

Mr. Vigneualt said there are 1,000 working Island households who live in unsubsidized rental housing.

“These rental households are year-round community members who work in our stores, restaurants, offices and building trades . . . many have lost work and income and need immediate assistance with daily costs and demands until safety net support are in place and employment returns,” a press statement said.

Mr. Vigneault said Permanent Endowment provided the seed funding of $10,000 to launch the program, which is administered by the housing authority. The endowment has since donated an additional $15,000 and the Aquinnah Community Association donated $10,000. The program has also received funds from private donors, he said.

“Both organizations have waived their administrative charges so that every dollar donated is going into the payment of a month’s rent,” Mr. Vigneault said.

The housing authority has 82 tenants across the Island who pay an average monthly rent of $1,220. Mr. Vigneault said arrangements are currently being made for mortgage deferrals on its properties in order to offer rent deferrals if necessary.

The housing authority also continues to administer the Islandwide rental assistance program, supported by taxpayers in the six Vineyard towns. That program provides rent subsidies for 54 households.