Last updated: October 29, 2026
Bottom line
Hawaii has several kinds of housing aid. The first step depends on your need: shelter tonight, rent help, a lower-cost home, utility aid, or help with eviction.
Start with Aloha United Way 211 for local referrals. Check your county housing office and the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for waitlists. Ask about the state relief program for urgent rent bills. Local funds and waiting lists can change.
This guide covers shelter, rent, Section 8, public housing, utility aid, and eviction help. The Hawaii help guide also covers food and cash aid.
If you need help today
If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 911. If abuse, stalking, or threats are involved, use a safer phone or computer when possible. The Hawaii safety directory lists local domestic violence programs by island.
- No safe place tonight: Call 211 and ask for family shelter, homeless outreach, and coordinated entry. Say how many children are with you and whether anyone has a disability, medical need, or safety risk.
- Eviction papers: Contact Legal Aid Hawaii and do not miss a court date. Hawaii also has a pre-filing mediation process for many nonpayment cases.
- Utility shutoff notice: Ask your island Community Action agency about H-HEAP Energy Crisis Intervention. This part of the program may accept applications during the year, but funds and appointment space are limited.
- Domestic violence: Ask a local advocate about shelter, safe housing, legal help, and housing protections. Do not share plans with a person who may put you at risk.
The Hawaii emergency guide also lists help with food, bills, and other urgent needs.
Where to start
You need shelter
Call 211. Ask for family shelter, outreach, or a short stay while you look for a home.
You owe rent
Ask about the Hawaii Relief Program, 211 referrals, and local rent funds. Ask if they pay late rent or deposits.
You need lower rent
Check Section 8, public housing, and low-cost apartments. Apply through the housing office or building staff.
You face eviction
Save each notice. Call legal aid now. Court papers may have short deadlines.
See the national housing guide for help types. The rent and eviction guide has more short-term options. In Hawaiʻi, the right first call depends on your island and need.
What has changed
Kauaʻi County opened its Section 8 waitlist on September 1, 2026. It is still listed as open until further notice. Hawaiʻi County also lists its voucher waitlist as open. Check both county pages before you apply.
Maui wildfire housing changed in October 2026. Maui County started a Housing Navigator Program. FEMA also set new rent rates for many households in its temporary units starting December 1. See the Maui housing steps below.
Quick reference
| Your need | Start here | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelter tonight | 211 and local outreach | Ask for family shelter and coordinated entry. | Space may be full. Keep asking about all family options. |
| Rent or deposit help | Hawaii Relief Program | Ask whether your crisis and household meet the rules. | Approval is not automatic. Payments go to the vendor. |
| Lower long-term rent | Housing authority and property lists | Ask which waitlists are open today. | Waits can be long, and each list is separate. |
| Utility shutoff | H-HEAP through Community Action | Ask about Energy Crisis Intervention. | Monthly approvals and funds can be limited. |
| Eviction notice | Legal aid and court information | Ask what deadline applies to your papers. | Do not wait for a court date to seek help. |
Hawaii Relief Program
The Hawaii Relief Program is short-term aid for families hit by an unexpected money crisis. It may pay some housing, utility, or vehicle bills for up to four months. It is not monthly cash aid and it is not Section 8. The state’s relief-program rules list the full limits and required proof.
Families may qualify if they have a child under 18 in their care, or if a woman with no dependent child is in her third trimester of pregnancy. The family must live in Hawaii, have a serious financial crisis, and meet the income and status rules. At least one family member must meet the citizenship or qualifying immigration rule. The program still lists income limits at 300% of the 2025 Hawaii poverty guideline. Ask the agency to check your family size and income. You do not have to receive SNAP to apply.
| Housing help | Current program cap | How payment works |
|---|---|---|
| Housing deposit | Actual cost, up to $6,000 | Paid to the landlord or vendor |
| Housing payment | Actual housing costs up to $6,000; up to four months | Paid directly after approval |
| Utility deposit | Up to $3,000 for each utility source | Paid to the utility company |
| Utility payment | Actual utility costs up to $2,000 per source; up to four months | Paid to the utility company |
For Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, or Hawaiʻi Island, apply through Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi or call 808-521-4357 and follow the relief-program prompts. For Maui, Molokaʻi, or Lānaʻi, use Maui Economic Opportunity or call 808-243-4357. Ask which papers to send before you share private records.
Program limits
Housing aid needs a signed lease, mortgage account, or other binding home agreement. Aid cannot pay a bill for a month another program already covered. The landlord or vendor may need tax forms before payment. Ask the agency how the dollar cap applies to your bill. Payment is not approved until the agency says so.
Emergency shelter and homeless help
Hawaii has shelter, outreach, short-term rent help, and housing support. The state Homeless Programs Office helps fund these services. For a shelter bed, start with 211 or a local provider.
On Oʻahu, Partners in Care works with local housing groups. Its coordinated entry system helps staff check your needs and refer you to programs. It does not promise a bed or home.
Tell the worker if you sleep in a car, must leave soon, or feel unsafe at home. Say if a child, disability, or medical need calls for special help. Give a safe way to reach you.
Helpful call tip
Use clear facts: “I am a parent with two children, and we have no safe place to sleep tonight.” Ask the worker to check family shelter, outreach, coordinated entry, and rapid rehousing options.
Section 8 and public housing
Section 8 vouchers help pay rent with a private landlord. Public housing is housing run by a public agency. These are different programs. Each housing office runs its own list.
| Area or program | Status checked October 26, 2026 | Official starting point |
|---|---|---|
| HPHA Oahu voucher list | Closed | HPHA application page |
| HPHA Oahu federal public housing | Closed | Use the same HPHA page for updates. |
| Neighbor island federal public housing | Paper applications may be accepted through property offices | Ask the property office about family units. |
| Hawaii County voucher list | OPEN until further notice | Hawaii County waitlist |
| Honolulu city voucher list | Closed | Honolulu voucher page |
| Kauai County voucher list | OPEN since September 1, 2026; until further notice | Kauai voucher page |
| Maui County voucher list | Check current notices; no confirmed new opening found | Maui voucher page |
New for Kauaʻi: Apply through the county’s official voucher page. The county also offers a computer kiosk in Līhuʻe and asks people to book help at least two days before a kiosk visit. Call 808-241-4440 to ask for access help. The county says there is no fee to join the waitlist. An application does not promise a voucher.
Waitlists can close without much notice. Check the agency page on the day you apply. Each city or county list is separate. Save your application number. If you applied before, update your phone, address, and email right away so you do not miss an offer.
Section 8 scams
Do not pay someone to get on a waitlist or move ahead in line. A voucher does not guarantee a unit. The home and rent must be approved first.
Affordable rental apartments
Low-cost rental buildings can help when voucher lists are closed. Some have income rules. Each building sets its own rent, deposits, unit sizes, and waitlist.
Start with the state’s affordable rental inventory. It lists buildings and contacts, not guaranteed open units. Call each manager before you pay a fee or send an application.
- Oahu families can check the city’s rental housing portfolio for public rental properties.
- Hawaii Island families can use the county affordable housing list.
- Maui County families can review the housing project dashboard and then contact the listed property or developer.
Ask if the waitlist is open, if there are family-size units, what income is allowed, and if there is a fee. Ask how child support counts as income. Track each place you call.
Utility help through H-HEAP
The Hawaii Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) makes a one-time payment toward eligible electric or gas bills. The official H-HEAP page lists two types of aid. A household may get only one type per October–September program year.
- Energy Credit: The regular application period is June 1 through June 30. The 2026 application window has ended.
- Energy Crisis Intervention: This part may accept applications during the year for households with a disconnect notice or serious shutoff risk. Monthly approvals can be limited.
Apply through your island Community Action agency, not the state benefits office. Oʻahu uses HCAP; Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi use MEO; Kauaʻi uses KEO; Hawaiʻi Island uses HCEOC. The state H-HEAP page has the current agency contacts.
Have your energy bill, shutoff notice, ID, and proof of income ready. The Hawaii utility guide has more local help. Ask your power company about a payment plan too.
Eviction and tenant help
If you receive a rent notice, mediation notice, summons, lockout threat, or court paper, act quickly. This section gives general information, not legal advice.
For most cases about unpaid rent only, Hawaii’s Act 278 pilot program (February 5, 2026, through February 4, 2028) gives a tenant 10 calendar days after receiving the notice to pay or ask for free pre-filing mediation. The landlord must join if you ask in time. If you schedule mediation in time, the landlord generally must wait 20 days from when you got the notice before filing, unless a rule-based exception applies. Other eviction reasons have different rules. Check the state tenant rights page and the court mediation guide. Ask legal aid about your own deadline.
Save your lease, rent ledger, receipts, bank records, notices, texts, emails, photos, and envelopes. Write down the date each paper arrived. The Hawaii legal guide lists more legal help paths.
Do not ignore papers
A landlord notice is not the same as a court order, but both matter. Do not assume that applying for rent help stops an eviction case. Ask legal aid and the court what you must do next.
Special housing situations
Domestic violence or stalking
If you face abuse or stalking, some HUD-assisted housing offers rights under the Violence Against Women Act. This can help stop some denials or evictions tied to abuse. Some families can ask to move for safety. Read the HUD housing rights or ask an advocate what applies to your home.
The Hawaii safety resources list local help. Use a safe device if someone may watch your phone or searches.
Disability accommodations
If a disability makes it hard to apply, attend a meeting, or read a notice, ask for a reasonable accommodation. This means a fair change in how the office helps you. You may also ask for an interpreter. The office may need proof of why the change helps.
Maui wildfire housing
Some survivors of the 2023 Maui wildfires have separate disaster housing help. FEMA has extended temporary housing aid for eligible households through February 28, 2027. A new rent rate starts December 1, 2026 for many households in FEMA Direct Housing: 75% of the 2027 HUD fair market rent for the unit size. If you cannot pay, read your 60-day rent notice. FEMA gives 60 days from the notice date to appeal the rent amount with proof of income and bills. Rent is still due while an appeal is pending. Read the Maui housing update and the FEMA extension notice. Ask your FEMA adviser how the rules affect you.
New county help: Maui’s Housing Navigator Program began October 1, 2026. It helps wildfire-affected families plan for a long-term home. Some may also qualify for rent aid. You can ask for help even if you were not in the state’s old case-management program. Call 808-865-4007 to ask about your options. Help depends on need and available space or funds.
Native Hawaiian housing
Native Hawaiian adults who are at least 18 and have at least 50% Native Hawaiian ancestry may apply for a Hawaiian Home Lands homestead lease. Check the DHHL application page or call 808-730-0279. You may need birth and family records. DHHL has its own long waitlist and rules; it is not Section 8.
Documents to gather
You may not need every paper for each program. Save copies of what you send. For the Relief Program, ask whether proof of SNAP, WIC, TANF, or a voucher can replace some family and income records. Keep originals safe. If you cannot get a paper, ask the office what else it accepts.
| Document group | Examples | Why it may be needed |
|---|---|---|
| Identity and household | Photo ID, birth certificates, school records | Shows who lives with you |
| Income and benefits | Pay stubs, benefit letters, child support records | Checks income rules |
| Housing | Lease, rent ledger, late notice, court papers | Shows the amount owed and housing risk |
| Utilities | Current bill, account number, shutoff notice | Supports an H-HEAP request |
| Crisis proof | Job loss notice, repair bill, medical bill | May show the financial event |
| Contact details | Safe phone, email, mailing address | Keeps applications and waitlists active |
If help is denied or delayed
Ask for the decision in writing. Read the reason, deadline, and appeal or review steps. A missing paper may be fixed, but a formal denial may need a written appeal, grievance, hearing request, or new application.
- Write down the program name, date, worker’s name, and case number.
- Ask which rule caused the problem.
- Ask whether a document is missing or unreadable.
- Ask how to request a review or reasonable accommodation.
- Keep copies of everything you send.
For a housing voucher or public-housing denial, ask for the housing office’s review or hearing rules right away; deadlines differ by office. For a rent or disaster-aid denial, ask the provider for a written reason and a way to appeal. The Hawaii legal guide lists local options. You can still ask 211 for help while you wait.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for Section 8 access. Official waitlist applications do not require a broker or special fee.
- Using old waitlist posts. Check the housing authority page on the day you apply.
- Missing mail or calls. Keep your contact information current and clear your voicemail.
- Applying for only one property. Join more than one real waitlist when rules allow.
- Sending original papers. Keep originals unless the office clearly requires them.
- Waiting after an eviction notice. Seek legal and rent help at the same time.
Backup options while you wait
Housing help can take time. Reducing another bill may help you protect rent money. Check Hawaii food help, Hawaii child care, and Hawaii transportation help. These programs do not replace housing aid, but they may ease part of the monthly budget.
Phone scripts
Calling 211
“Hi, I am a parent in Hawaii with children. We need housing help. Can you check family shelter, homeless outreach, rent assistance, and any program open on my island today?”
Calling the Relief Program
“Hi, my household had a financial crisis, and I need help with rent or a housing deposit. Can you screen me for the Hawaii Relief Program and tell me which papers to send?”
Calling a housing office
“Hi, is your Section 8 or public housing list open today? If I already applied, how do I update my phone, email, and mailing address?”
Calling legal aid
“Hi, I am a renter with children, and I received a notice or court paper. Can you tell me how to apply for legal help and what deadline I should check?”
Resumen en español
Si necesita refugio hoy en Hawái, llame al 211 y pida opciones para familias. Para ayuda con renta o depósito, pregunte por Hawaii Relief Program. Las listas de Section 8 cambian: Kauaʻi y el condado de Hawaiʻi indican que aceptan solicitudes. Si recibe un aviso por falta de pago, pida ayuda legal de inmediato y pregunte por la mediación dentro de 10 días. Para un aviso de corte de luz o gas, pregunte por H-HEAP. En Maui, hay ayuda especial para hogares afectados por los incendios de 2023.
FAQ
Is Section 8 open in Hawaii now?
It depends on the office. On October 26, 2026, Hawaiʻi County and Kauaʻi County list their voucher waitlists as open until further notice. The HPHA Oʻahu and Honolulu city lists are closed. Check Maui County’s latest notice before trying to apply.
Can the Hawaii Relief Program pay rent?
Yes, for some eligible families in a serious money crisis. It can pay verified housing costs for up to four months. You need proof of your housing costs, and the agency pays the landlord or vendor. Limits and rules apply.
Can 211 give me money?
211 most often gives referrals rather than paying rent. It can help you find shelter, rent aid, food, utility help, and local programs. Ask which programs are taking requests today.
What if I have an eviction notice?
Save the notice and call legal aid. For many nonpayment-only cases, you have 10 calendar days after receiving the notice to pay or request free pre-filing mediation. Other cases may have different rules. Do not miss court deadlines.
Is H-HEAP open all year?
H-HEAP Energy Credit takes applications in June. Energy Crisis Intervention takes applications year-round if you have a shutoff notice, but only a few slots may be approved each month. Apply through the Community Action agency on your island.
Do single mothers get housing priority?
Not just because they are single mothers. Some housing programs give preference based on homelessness, disability, local rules, or other needs. Ask the office which preferences it uses.
What changed for Maui wildfire housing?
The county started a Housing Navigator Program on October 1, 2026. For many FEMA Direct Housing residents, rent rises on December 1. If you cannot afford the new rate, read your FEMA notice and ask your adviser about the 60-day appeal window.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified October 29, 2026; next review January 27, 2027.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: October 29, 2026 Next review: January 27, 2027