HAWAIʻI MāLAMA RESOURCES
Resources for Food, Housing and Utilities
Aloha United Way: If you need assistance and aren’t sure where to start, call 211 for referrals to a broad range of programs, from assistance with basic needs like food and shelter, to child care and legal services.
Hawaii Food Bank: Food assistance is available at pantries and feeding programs throughout Oahu and Kauai.
The Food Basket: You can call (808) 933-6030 for help obtaining food on Hawaii Island, or visit the program’s website for information about which pantries may be open.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): If your income falls below a certain level, you can qualify for food assistance from the federal government. In Hawaii, SNAP is administered by the Department of Human Services; visit the program’s website for information on how to apply.
Hawaiian Electric Co.: HECO announced on March 17, 2020, that it would suspend disconnections for at least 30 days as relief for customers who are financially challenged by the pandemic. Customers who are having a hard time paying their bills are asked to contact customer service to discuss their options.
Kama’aina Kids: Kama‘aina Kids is opening up seven preschool sites on O‘ahu, Maui, and Hawai‘i Island to children (K-5) of essential employees who do not have access to child care. Limited space is available.
Senior Assisted Living Resources: Many aging adults and their families are unaware of the different care options and programs available to them. One that is growing in popularity with families is assisted living, which is designed to maximize independence and quality of life. This free resource provides comprehensive information on topics like financial support and assisted living options that are available in Hawaii
Financial Assistance Resources
Unemployment Insurance: If you’ve lost your job because of shutdowns, you can apply for unemployment insurance through the State of Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Officials have stated that response times may be delayed due to the high volume of claims. Check out this fact sheet, which answers frequently asked questions about unemployment insurance during the outbreak. Here’s a video on how to apply.
Bank of Hawaii: Bank of Hawaii is offering two assistance programs for customers facing financial hardship because of COVID-19. The forbearance program offers loan forbearance on residential mortgages, home equity loans and home equity lines of credit for up to six months; while the extension program offers an extension of up to three months on installment loans such as personal loans and auto loans. Visit the COVID-19 financial assistance page to learn more about the programs, and how to get started. If you have a loan or mortgage with another financial institution, reach out to learn more about what kind of assistance they may be offering.
First Hawaiian Bank: First Hawaiian Bank is also offering loan assistance in the form of consumer loan deferrals and mortgage loan forbearance. Deferrals with extensions of up to three months are available for personal loans, auto loans and credit cards. For mortgage customers, First Hawaiian Bank is offering relief options designed to fit your needs, including mortgage forbearance and deferrals for up to 6 months.
Hawaii Resilience Fund can provide up to $1,000 per household:
The purpose of the Hoʻāla Assistance Program is to provide one-time emergency financial assistance (up to $1000 per household) to Hawaiʻi residents facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HRF is made possible through a partnership between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and Pierre & Pam Omidyar. The program aims to provide stability to families during this emergency situation.
Honolulu Tentants Union: Many renters are losing their jobs or suffering with reduced hours, nearly one-quarter (160,000) of Hawaiʻi’s workers, filed for unemployment last month. Over 14 thousand people have already signed a petition demanding a rent and mortgage freeze. Please call the Governor’s office at (808) 586-0034 and demand a statewide rent and mortgage moratorium.