Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc.
Hale Kākou-A CARES Act Funded Program
Funded through the Community Services Block Grant CARES Act Federal Funds, HCAP is providing rent, mortgage, and utility assistance for those individuals and households impacted by COVID-19 through loss of employment, reduction of work hours, or other pandemic-related challenges. For more information, visit the Hale Kāhou website.
Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program Announced
At the news briefing, Gov. Ige announced the launch of the State of Hawaiʻi Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program (RRHAP). This program provides assistance for Hawaiʻi renters who have experienced a reduction in income because of unemployment or a reduction in work hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are at risk of eviction. Funded by Federal CARES Act appropriations, the program provides at-risk renters with assistance in making monthly rent as well as financial counseling. Gov. Ige said, “The COVID-19 pandemic and its financial impacts have affected all across the state and in our communities. This program provides essential support directly to help those most at-risk and in need.”
Applications are currently being accepted for housing payments due between August 1, 2020 and December 28, 2020. The program is administered by non-profit partners Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and Aloha United Way. Rob Van Tassell, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi CEO and president said, “Working with clients who are struggling financially during this pandemic, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi understands that many who have lost their jobs are one step away from homelessness as they cannot afford to pay their rent. This emergency rental assistance program will help keep tenants in their homes and safely sheltered, while ensuring landlords are properly compensated. ”John Fink, President and CEO of Aloha United Way said, “Aloha United Way is prepared and equipped to act as a conduit for the RRHAP during these trying times. Our goal is to ensure that qualified applicants receive assistance in a timely manner to help keep as many Hawaii residents housed as possible.”
Full-time Hawaiʻi residents with proof of valid and current tenancy for their primary residence housing unit in Hawaiʻi must show a loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have a gross household income that does not exceed 100% of the HUD Area Median Income for 2020. You can apply for the Rent Relief and Housing Assistance Program if you:
- Are a full-time Hawaiʻi resident.
- Have proof of valid and current tenancy for primary residence in the
state of Hawaiʻi. - Are 18 years of age or older.
- Can demonstrate a loss of income directly resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Can demonstrate that your current household income does not exceed 100% Area Median Income.
Monthly payments will be $2,000 per household for residents in the City and County of Honolulu, or $1,500 per household for residents in the counties of Hawaiʻi, Maui and Kauaʻi. The payments will also be made directly to the landlord. More information plus FAQs are available at www.hihousinghelp.com.
Housing assistance grants for Big Island Residents
As of August 24, Big Island households can apply for rent/mortgage assistance grants through the Hawaii County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program (RMAP) through six local nonprofit organizations. To qualify, you must show proof that your job was impacted by the pandemic. Each family is eligible for up to $1000 in assistance for each month from March through December. There are enough funds to help over 1400 families. Click on the link for more detailed information.
Program Criteria:
- Be a Hawaiʻi island resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Lost income or work hours due to COVID-19
- Have a current annual household income at or below 100% of the area median income for the number of members in the household.
- Provide a valid Photo ID
- Provide Income documents for all household members
- Provide a copy of rental/lease contract or mortgage statement
- Provide proof of hardship
- Provide past due notice
Go online or call one of the participating nonprofit partners:
- Hawaiian Community Assets HCA/HCL
(808) 934-0801 - HOPE Services Hawaii
(808) 935-3050 - Hawaii First FCU
(808) 933-6600 - Neighborhood Place of Puna
(808) 965-5550 - Hawaii Island Home for Recovery
(808) 640-4443 or (808) 934-7852 - Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island
(808) 450-2118
Department of Hawaiian Home Lands COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program for Native Hawaiians
A new program to provide rental relief for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Applicant Waiting List beneficiaries launched on May 11, 2020, in partnership with Aloha United Way. Eligible Native Hawaiians on DHHL’s Applicant Waiting List who have experienced a loss of income or job as a result of COVID-19 may receive assistance for the payment of their security deposit and/or rent for up to six months. To apply for DHHL’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program, call AUW at 2-1-1.
Program Criteria:
- Must be native Hawaiian as defined by the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act and on DHHL’s Waiting List as of Dec. 31, 2018. No new applications will be considered.
- Must have experienced a reduction of income or loss of income/job as a result of COVID-19.
- Must have a total household annual income that does not exceed 80 percent area median income, as defined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
- Must be receiving assistance for the individual’s primary residence located in the State of Hawaiʻi. The maximum monthly rent for a household to pay may not exceed 30 percent of the family’s monthly adjusted income and the maximum fair market rent that will be considered, as established by HUD’s fair market guidelines.
- To apply for the program, beneficiaries will be required to provide a series of documentation to indicate a loss of income or job as a result of COVID-19.
Hawaiian Electric Payment Assistance Options Available
Hawaiian Electric offers several payment assistance options to support its customers during this time. Special payment arrangement plans are an option to help keep past due balances manageable. Go to the HECO website to learn more about what they have to offer.
Hawaiʻi Island Utility Payment Assistance
The Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council is accepting applications for COVID-19 utility bill support up to $500 (gas, electric or non-government water) for households with annual household income at or below 100% of AMI for members in their households.
Eligibility
- A Hawaiʻi Island Resident
- At least 18 years old
- Lost income or work hours due to COVID-19
- Current annual household income is at or below 100% of Area Median Income for the number of members residing in household
- Not eligible if receiving LIHEAP assistance for 2020-2021 or if received other federal or state COVID funds during this time.
Required documents for application
- Government-issued identification
- Income verification documents for all household members
- Utility Statement (with the address of services)
- Lease/Rental Agreement or Mortgage document
- Proof of hardship (May include, but not limited to, pay stubs documenting pre-COVID-19 income, unemployment approval letter, layoff letter)
Apply online or by calling 808-961-2681.
Aloha United Way 211
2-1-1 is Aloha United Way’s free and confidential statewide helpline connecting individuals and families with resources and information. 2-1-1 specialists can search through over 4,000 government and nonprofit services and programs to find the information and resources you need. Requests include finding food, shelter, clothing, financial assistance, childcare, parenting support, elderly care, disability services and more! You may also do a direct search of the service categories in our online database.
Gregory House Programs
Provides housing, nutrition, and case management services for residents of Hawaii who are homeless or at risk of homelessness living with HIV/AIDS. Requires ID and SS#. All services are provided on Oahu, with some housing assistance available to Neighbor Island applicants. Call (808) 592-9022. http://gregoryhouse.org/
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP provides heating and/or cooling assistance to needy Hawaiʻi households by assisting with a one-time payment towards their utility bill (electric or gas) in two ways:
- Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) program – assists needy households in crisis, the electric or gas service has been disconnected or will be terminated as the household has been notified via a disconnect notice from the utility company.
- Energy Credit (EC) program – assists needy households who are not in crisis but need assistance with the heating and cooling of their residence with bill payment. *The EC program has a limited application period and is currently closed. The application period for EC is June 1-30, 2020.
- Applications are available online: LIHEAP APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS (PDF)
- Please schedule an appointment through the Community Action Program. Eligibility requirements and a list of program offices are available (PDF).
- *Households with a TANF, SSI or SNAP recipient may be eligible for an income exemption.
Native Hawaiian Kahiau Community Assistance Program (Statewide)
Kahiau Community Assistance Program (KCAP) provides one-time emergency financial assistance (up to $1500) to Native Hawaiian beneficiaries facing hardship due to an unexpected crisis. KCAP is made possible through a grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and aims to provide stability for Native Hawaiians during emergency situations. This includes: mortgage payments, rent deposit, rent payment, utility services.
Eligibility
- 18 years old
- Native Hawaiian
- Resident of the state of Hawaiʻi
- Proof of Hardship
- Past due or “soon to be” past due bill
- Provide all necessary documents listed on website
How to Apply
- Visit website to apply online: https://www.hawaiiancouncil.org/kahiau
- Email: kahiau@hawaiiancouncil.org
- Call (808) 784-4464
For Kauai residents, please call Hawaiian Community Assets at (808) 632-2070
Rent and Utility Assistance – Oʻahu (Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and Aloha United Way)
Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Health Center in partnership with Aloha United Way, are offering financial assistance to cover rent and utility expenses up to $1000 per month to those who have been affected by income loss due to COVID-19. For more information call the Community Health Services Department at (808) 697-3736.
Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity Low Income Assistance Program
Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity (KEO) Low Income Assistance Program is funded by the KIUC Charitable Foundation. The program assists Kauaʻi families and individuals with a one-time credit once every rolling 12-month period. To apply or for more information, call KEO at (808) 245-4077 x242 or email keo@keoinc.org.
Free Wi-Fi for Households with Students
Spectrum broadband and Wi-Fi access for 60 days to households with K-12 and/or college students who do not already have a Spectrum broadband subscription at any service level up to 100 Mbps. To enroll call 1-844-488-8395. Installation fees will be waived for new student households.
Landlord Engagement Program (LEP) – Oʻahu
Received an eviction notice during the COVID-19 pandemic? Need help with the first month’s rent or security deposit? The Landlord Engagement Program can provide eviction prevention and financial assistance. LEP provides support to households currently experiencing or at-risk of becoming homeless.
- LEP Financial Assistance Request Form is available on-line.
- Questions or concerns? Complete the Landlord and Tenant Support on-line form or use the 24/7 phone line support at (808) 221-3841.
Family Promise of Hawaiʻi
Family Promise of Hawaiʻi offers a variety of supportive services for families with children who are experiencing crisis and are at-risk of becoming homeless. In many cases, Family Promise has the ability to provide rental assistance, mediation with landlords and other services to help enrolled families prevent the loss of their home.
- Diversion and Prevention: This includes families who are facing eviction, staying with relatives or couch surfing.
- Emergency Shelter: Provides families with overnight accommodations & meals at their facilities. Access to Day Center for meals, laundry, showering, storage of possessions and other needs.
- Current FPH Resources:
- Emergency Rental Assistance Fund – Help with rental payments for families who have experienced a reduction in hours or who have been laid off due to the current health crisis.
- Drop-In Day Center Program – Access to diapers, wipes, food, hygiene products, internet, showers, and laundry facilities. Must call ahead for an appointment.
Contact (808) 466-4243 or email morgan@familypromisehawaii.org to set up an appointment and learn more.
Next Step Shelter
Operated by Waikīkī Health, provides emergency shelter for couples and individuals experiencing homelessness, on-site medical clinic, housing placement assistance, behavioral health assessment, mail services and other necessities.
200 Keawe Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, Call (808) 585-8800 (24/7), waikikihc.org/locations/nextstep/
Worried About Paying Rent?
Gov. David Ige’s recent emergency proclamations regarding the coronavirus “invoked special legal requirements” applicable to landlords and tenants. Read the article by Civil Beat or the full list of COVID-19 Landlord Tenant FAQs.
Assistance for Certain Homeowners and Renters
Homeowners with mortgages backed by the FHA, USDA, VA, HUD Section 184a, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac may be able to get mortgage payment forbearance or foreclosure relief and renters may not be evicted according to Sen. Brian Schatz. Contact Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi www.legalaidhawaii.org or a HUD approved housing counselor. You can find the nearest housing counselor here or by calling (800) 569-4287.
