HONOLULU – In response to the challenges posed by the ongoing federal shutdown, Hawaii has unveiled a new relief initiative aimed at supporting families in financial distress. The Hawaii Relief Program is now accepting applications, offering non-recurring short-term financial assistance for housing and utility payments to those struggling due to unexpected hardships.
To qualify for assistance, families must meet specific criteria. They need to demonstrate a financial crisis caused by events such as furloughs, layoffs, medical emergencies, or natural disasters, which have resulted in an impending eviction or utility disconnection. Additionally, eligible families must have at least one dependent child under 18 and meet the set income guidelines.
The program provides several forms of aid, which include:
– A one-time housing deposit, covering actual costs up to $6,000
– Housing payments for up to four months, capped at $6,000
– A one-time utility deposit with a maximum of $3,000 for each utility service (electric, water, gas)
– Utility payments for up to four months, with total assistance not exceeding $2,000
Joseph Campos, deputy director of Hawaii’s Department of Human Services, emphasized the program’s importance, stating, “The Hawaii relief program provides up to four months of emergency financial support to help families cover rent, mortgage, and essential utilities. We believe that this will free up funds normally spent on housing to purchase other necessities.”
The urgency of this program is evident as approximately 165,000 individuals in Hawaii rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which will halt payments starting November 1. Importantly, applicants for the Hawaii Relief Program do not need to be SNAP recipients, although about one-third of SNAP beneficiaries may qualify for this new assistance.
Applications for the program will be processed through different organizations depending on residents’ locations. For those living on Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii Island, applications can be submitted through Catholic Charities Hawaii, while residents of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai should contact Maui Economic Opportunity Inc.
Additionally, in a related effort to address food insecurity exacerbated by the federal shutdown, Governor Green has allocated $2 million in state funds to the Hawaii Foodbank, ensuring continued support for vital food resources across all islands. Vibrant Hawaii is also offering various resources as part of the coordinated response to assist those affected.
This relief program represents a significant step in providing immediate assistance to vulnerable families, reinforcing the community’s resilience in the face of economic uncertainty.