Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Hawaiʻi

Last updated: September 2025

This hub brings together every practical path we could verify for free or very low‑cost furniture, beds, cribs, kitchenware, and basic household goods across the islands. You’ll also find emergency steps, direct phone numbers, state and federal links, and realistic timelines. Keep this guide open while you call or apply through the resources linked throughout.

Important: Every time you see a program, agency, or organization name below, it’s a live link you can tap. Where a colon appears, the words before it are bold to help you scan.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call or text 2‑1‑1 to request the nearest same‑week furniture or household‑goods referral, ask for “household items” or “furniture vouchers,” and request a three‑way call with the provider if you want help advocating.

  Use these links if you can’t dial 211: Aloha United Way 211 — call options and AUW 211 search tool. (auw.org)

• Ask your case manager (or a hotline specialist) for a same‑day referral to the free furniture warehouse on Oʻahu or to a charity voucher program on your island.

  Tap these first: Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse and The Salvation Army — Community Assistance Center (Oʻahu). (helpinghandshawaii.org)

• If electric or water shutoff is hours or days away, ask for a crisis appointment, then call your utility to set a payment plan while your application is pending.

  Start here: Hawaiʻi Home Energy Assistance Program (H‑HEAP) and Hawaiian Electric — Customer Service Numbers. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)

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Quick Help Box — Save These Five Contacts

• Crisis & referrals: Aloha United Way 211 — open 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. daily — Call 2‑1‑1, or 1‑877‑275‑6569; text 1‑877‑275‑6569. (auw211.org)
• Oʻahu free goods hub: Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse — Warehouse referrals for free furniture and household items; main line 1‑808‑536‑7234 ext. 800. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
• Family homelessness help: Family Promise of Hawaiʻi — get help — Oʻahu & Maui; call 1‑808‑300‑0560 or visit 2106 Young St., Honolulu. (familypromisehawaii.org)
• Catholic Charities statewide: Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi — Housing & Veteran Programs — Oʻahu 1‑808‑521‑4357; Hawaiʻi Island 1‑808‑961‑7050; Maui 1‑808‑873‑4673; Kauaʻi 1‑808‑241‑4673. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)
• Domestic violence support: Domestic Violence Action Center (Oʻahu) 1‑808‑531‑3771 (text 1‑605‑956‑5680), and YWCA Kauaʻi 24/7 line 1‑808‑245‑6362. (domesticviolenceactioncenter.org)

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What You Can Get Fast — Overview

The fastest routes to free or deeply discounted household items in Hawaiʻi include Oʻahu’s centralized furniture warehouse, island‑specific charity vouchers, community “gifting” networks, and low‑cost nonprofit reuse stores. Use the table below to target options that match your island and situation.

Fast paths to furniture and essentials

Reality check: Inventory is donation‑driven. You may not get a specific item (like a queen bed) on your first try. Always ask to be placed on a “wish list,” and request a call if the item arrives. Use the links above to confirm hours and current policies before traveling. (helpinghandshawaii.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 2‑1‑1 to connect you to more than one provider the same day, request a written denial (helps with other referrals), and post an “ISO” request with a photo on both Freecycle and the Buy Nothing Project app to widen your reach. (freecycle.org)

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How to Work the System Step‑by‑Step

Get a same‑week referral to free furniture on Oʻahu:

• Call 2‑1‑1 and ask for a referral for “free furniture from Community Clearinghouse,” then call Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse to confirm the intake steps and what documents you need (ID, proof of address, and need). If you have a case manager, ask them to email cch@helpinghandshawaii.org for you. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
• If you live on another island, ask 2‑1‑1 for a local partner that issues thrift vouchers (The Salvation Army corps on your island, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, or Family Promise of Hawaiʻi), then shop at the nearest Habitat ReStore or Goodwill Hawaiʻi with low out‑of‑pocket cost. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)
• Ask for delivery or a pickup truck referral if you don’t have a vehicle. Helpers differ by island; on Oʻahu, ask your Clearinghouse or HCAP district center for volunteer options; on Hawaiʻi Island, ask HCEOC during scheduling. (hcapweb.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Contact your child’s school counselor for a counselor‑to‑charity referral, then call Aloha United Way 211 again and ask them to search by “Material Goods/Furniture” plus your ZIP code. Post in the Buy Nothing app with your nearest cross‑street for curbside pickups. (auw211.org)

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Where to Find Free or Low‑Cost Goods Near You

Oʻahu — quick wins

• Oʻahu centralized hub: Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse distributes donated beds, dressers, tables, cookware and linens free to referred low‑income families; call 1‑808‑536‑7234 ext. 800 to ask about current inventory. Donation drop‑offs are at 2100 N. Nimitz Hwy. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
• Thrift vouchers and casework: The Salvation Army — Oʻahu Locations and the Community Assistance Center offer clothing and limited household vouchers when funding allows; call 1‑808‑841‑5565 or 1‑808‑988‑2136. (hawaii.salvationarmy.org)
• Reuse stores for low‑cost items: Honolulu Habitat ReStore (922 Austin Lane C‑1; call 1‑808‑380‑8617) and Re‑use Hawaiʻi — Stadium Marketplace (4561 Salt Lake Blvd.; call 1‑808‑537‑2228) often have sofas, tables, cabinets, and building materials at steep discounts. (honoluluhabitat.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Join Freecycle Honolulu and the Buy Nothing app to request “ISO: toddler bed/couch” and set alerts for Craigslist Free — Hawaiʻi. Ask your school social worker to email CCH for priority if there are safety needs. (freecycle.org)

Maui County — quick wins

• Low‑cost household items: Habitat for Humanity Maui ReStore (1162 Lower Main St., Wailuku; 1‑808‑242‑1140) sells furniture and appliances at thrift prices; call about same‑day inventory. Some families get store vouchers through partner agencies. (habitat-maui.org)
• Family housing & goods: Family Promise of Hawaiʻi — Maui office (95 Mahalani St., Wailuku) can help with navigation and move‑in kits when placed into housing. Call 1‑808‑300‑0560 for intake. (familypromisehawaii.org)
• Disaster‑related vouchers: After the 2023 fires, Goodwill Hawaiʻi distributed emergency vouchers for clothing and household goods; that phase may have ended, but call 1‑808‑836‑0313 to check current availability and job‑training help. (goodwillhawaii.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Request a furniture referral through your Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) case manager or ask Aloha United Way 211 for Maui‑specific material goods programs. (auw211.org)

Hawaiʻi Island — quick wins

• ReStores: Habitat for Humanity Hawaiʻi Island runs ReStores in Kona (1‑808‑331‑8010) and Hilo (1‑808‑935‑6677) with furniture and appliances; ask if your case manager can authorize a voucher. (habitat.org)
• Diaper & baby basics: Hawaiʻi Diaper Bank (1‑808‑731‑6611) partners across the island; ask your clinic or HMHB MothersCare Line (1‑888‑951‑6661) for a referral to baby‑item programs. (hawaiidiaperbank.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council (1‑808‑731‑7009) to ask about any available household‑goods drive‑throughs; cross‑post to Freecycle — Hilo and TrashNothing Hawaiʻi. (hceoc.net)

Kauaʻi — quick wins

• Low‑cost furniture: Kauaʻi Habitat ReStore (1‑3410 Kaumualiʻi Hwy., Hanapēpē; ReStore line 1‑808‑335‑6105) carries furniture, appliances, and housewares; ask about pick‑up options or partner vouchers. (hawaiihabitat.org)
• DV survivors: YWCA Kauaʻi (text/call 1‑808‑245‑6362) can help with emergency shelter and basic goods when relocating; ask for a case manager to coordinate vouchers. (ywcakauai.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity (KEO) for referrals (ask 2‑1‑1 for the latest KEO contact), and post to neighborhood Freecycle groups in addition to island swap pages. (freecycle.org)

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Government Supports That Free Up Cash for Essentials

Even if an agency doesn’t hand you a couch, cash and food benefits can free money for a bed or microwave. Apply in this order for the fastest impact.

SNAP and TANF through DHS BESSD:

• Apply online for SNAP (food help) and TANF/TAONF (cash help) using the Public Assistance portal. If you can’t go online, call the DHS Public Assistance Information Line at 1‑855‑643‑1643 and ask for a callback from your nearest processing center. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)
• Expect a 10–15 business day timeline for non‑crisis SNAP/TANF decisions. Keep receipts while you wait and ask your caseworker to put “urgent move‑in needs” in your case notes for referral priority. Use the numbers above to check status. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)

WIC for babies and children under 5:

• Apply to Hawaiʻi WIC for food benefits, breastfeeding support, and baby supplies guidance. Call 1‑808‑586‑8175 (or 1‑888‑820‑6425) or pick a clinic from the state list of WIC sites. Bring ID, proof of address, and income docs; WIC will tell you exactly what you need. (health.hawaii.gov)
• Ask WIC or Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies — MothersCare about crib‑safety classes or Pack ’n Play programs on your island; HMHB and the Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi coalition can connect you to a free safe‑sleep crib if you qualify. (hmhb-hawaii.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If your online application stalls, call 1‑855‑643‑1643 and ask for the local BESSD processing center’s fax/email to submit documents. For WIC, call the clinic directly from the state list for a phone screening. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)

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How to Stop Utility Shutoff in Hawaiʻi Today

If you have a disconnect notice, act in this order. Do the H‑HEAP crisis application and a payment plan call on the same day.

• Call your island’s H‑HEAP provider first thing: H‑HEAP is Hawaiʻi’s LIHEAP program. Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) applications are accepted year‑round but approvals are limited each month and fill quickly. Oʻahu: HCAP district centers. Maui County: MEO 1‑808‑249‑2970. Hawaiʻi Island: HCEOC 1‑808‑731‑7009 (option 1). Kauaʻi: call 2‑1‑1 for KEO’s current line. (hcapweb.org)
• Then call your utility to set a payment arrangement: Oʻahu: Hawaiian Electric 1‑808‑548‑7311. Maui: 1‑808‑871‑9777. Hawaiʻi Island (Hilo) 1‑808‑969‑6999; (Kona) 1‑808‑329‑3584; (Waimea) 1‑808‑885‑4605. Ask for a “special payment arrangement” and note your H‑HEAP appointment date. Maui customers have had periodic disconnection moratoriums — ask if one is active today. (hawaiianelectric.com)
• Water/Sewer: City & County of Honolulu billing is through the Board of Water Supply; call Customer Care at 1‑808‑748‑5030 for payment plans and 24‑hour line 1‑808‑748‑5000 for emergencies. Hawaiʻi County customers call Department of Water Supply (Hilo 1‑808‑961‑8060; Kona 1‑808‑322‑0600). (www8.honolulu.gov)
• Timing you can expect: ECI crisis approvals can post within 3–7 business days after your appointment; Energy Credit (non‑crisis) is June‑only (June 2–30, 2025) with credits later in summer. Statewide 2025 benefits ranged from about $280to$1,400 for heating/cooling and up to $700 for crisis, depending on income and need. Call to confirm today’s caps. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission Consumer Affairs about filing an informal complaint if you can’t reach a fair plan, and call 2‑1‑1 to find “utility deposit/arrears” funds that may be open this month. (puc.hawaii.gov)

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Tables You Can Screenshot

Island‑by‑Island contact cheat sheet

Community “gifting” networks

Safety for cribs and baby gear

State supports that free up money for household needs

Utility shutoff — numbers to keep handy

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Local Organizations, Churches, and Support Groups That Help

• Faith‑based closets for kids: Kōkua Closet — UABC and Kōkua Closet — Central Baptist provide free baby/child items (cribs, strollers, car seats within date), by appointment at 1‑808‑694‑0000. Ask for emergency slots if you’re placing a child or fleeing violence. (uabchawaii.org)
• Parents And Children Together (PACT): Family centers in Kalihi can connect you to clothing and household supply drives; call 1‑808‑847‑3285 and ask about in‑kind support and DV shelter move‑in needs through the crisis line 1‑808‑526‑2200. Start with the PACT contact page for locations. (pacthawaii.org)
• Goodwill Hawaiʻi: Shops are low‑cost, and, during declared disasters, Goodwill has issued emergency vouchers for clothing and household items; call 1‑808‑836‑0313 to ask about any current voucher partnerships and the closest store with furniture. (goodwillhawaii.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school’s resource center or Aloha United Way 211 for “community closets” in your ZIP code; many run pop‑ups with limited hours. (auw211.org)

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Diverse Communities — Tailored Help and Access

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Domestic Violence Action Center serves cis, trans, and non‑binary survivors on Oʻahu with legal and case management; ask for safety‑focused furniture delivery when you move. For community‑based gifting, many Hawaiʻi Buy Nothing groups explicitly welcome LGBTQ+ families; use the app’s privacy tools to post safely. Accessibility note: Ask DVAC for text support at 1‑605‑956‑5680 if phone calls are unsafe. (domesticviolenceactioncenter.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask your WIC clinic about large‑print handouts and the Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi e‑toolkit in multiple languages. For utility issues with medical equipment, tell Hawaiian Electric you have “medical needs communications” and ask to flag your account. TTY services: dial 711 to reach the statewide relay, or use program emails on each provider’s site. (health.hawaii.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi — SSVF and U.S.VETS Barber’s Point help with housing stability, move‑in assistance, and essential household goods. Ask your SSVF case manager about thrift vouchers and delivery. If you live on Hawaiʻi Island, contact HOPE Services — Veterans at 1‑808‑934‑8658. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: If you need language access, ask HPHA or DHS BESSD for interpreter services when applying. For domestic violence or trafficking concerns, call PACT DV Crisis Line 1‑808‑526‑2200 and ask for safety planning and move‑in help; on Kauaʻi, use YWCA Kauaʻi. (hpha.hawaii.gov)
• Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander families, and rural single moms: Connectivity can be a barrier. Ask Aloha United Way 211 to text you addresses and bus routes. For Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi, schedule with MEO (Molokaʻi 1‑808‑553‑3216; Lānaʻi 1‑808‑565‑6665) and request options that don’t require frequent trips. Accessibility note: Ask for paper applications by mail where online access is limited. (hawaiianelectric.com)
• Single fathers: Most programs above serve all parents. When calling Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — CCH or The Salvation Army, state you’re the custodial parent and request household‑goods help by family size. For parenting support, contact The Parent Line (1‑808‑526‑1222). (helpinghandshawaii.org)

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Resources by Region

Honolulu area — where to go this week

Start by calling Aloha United Way 211 and asking for “Helping Hands Hawaiʻi CCH referral” and “Salvation Army clothing/household vouchers.” Then check Honolulu Habitat ReStore hours and Re‑use Hawaiʻi stock for low‑cost buys. For utility issues, contact Hawaiian Electric (1‑808‑548‑7311) and Board of Water Supply (1‑808‑748‑5030). (auw211.org)

Maui County — Wailuku, Kahului, Lahaina, Upcountry, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi

Check Habitat Maui ReStore for furniture and appliances, ask Family Promise of Hawaiʻi about move‑in kits, and call MEO for H‑HEAP crisis slots. For Maui disconnection news, check Hawaiian Electric notices and call 1‑808‑871‑9777. (habitat-maui.org)

Hawaiʻi Island — Hilo, Kona, Waimea, Kaʻū

Shop Habitat ReStores, call HCEOC for crisis energy help, and check Hawaiʻi County DWS for water billing questions. For veteran moms, HOPE Services SSVF can assist with stabilization and essentials. (habitat.org)

Kauaʻi — Līhuʻe, Hanapēpē, Kapaʻa, North Shore

Visit Kauaʻi Habitat ReStore, call YWCA Kauaʻi for urgent safety moves, and ask Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi about limited financial help for deposits or supplies. For water billing questions, use Kauaʻi DOW contacts. (hawaiihabitat.org)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not asking for a referral: Many free‑goods warehouses and voucher programs only serve clients referred by a case manager or 2‑1‑1. Ask the 2‑1‑1 specialist to place a three‑way call to Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — CCH or your local partner so you don’t miss the intake step. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
• Waiting to call H‑HEAP until shutoff day: Crisis slots fill early each month. Call HCAP/MEO/HCEOC the first business day of the month and keep calling at 8:00 a.m. if lines are busy. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)
• Taking unsafe baby gear: Always check the CPSC recall list before accepting used cribs, rockers, or strollers; ask Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi about safer options. (cpsc.gov)

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Reality Check — Funding and Wait Times

• Funding cycles: Many voucher funds reset at the beginning or middle of the month. Ask The Salvation Army Community Assistance Center which week they accept applications (some limit to the 1st–10th). (hawaii.salvationarmy.org)
• H‑HEAP windows: Crisis is year‑round; Energy Credit runs only in June (June 2–30, 2025). Benefits are limited and tied to income and utility need; statewide FY2025 benefits ranged roughly $280–$1,400, with crisis up to $700. Confirm this year’s amounts when you call. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

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Application Checklist — Screenshot and Print

• Photo ID: State ID/driver’s license or other government ID for adults in your household.
• Address proof: Lease, utility bill, or mail with your name and current address.
• Income proof: Last 30 days of pay stubs, benefit letters (SNAP/TANF), bank statements.
• Crisis documents: Utility disconnect notice or eviction/lease paperwork if applicable.
• Family documents: Birth certificates (for cribs/child items), custody/guardianship if relevant.
• Referral: Case manager name/phone or 2‑1‑1 confirmation number (if required by the program).
• Transport plan: Friend with truck, rideshare cost, or agency delivery request in writing.
• Accessibility needs: Ask for large‑print apps or TTY/relay options; request language interpreter.

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County‑Specific Variations You Should Know

• Oʻahu: Bulky item pickup is by appointment only; this matters because many people set out furniture the night before. Use the city’s “Make a Bulky Appointment” system or call 1‑808‑768‑3200 to avoid missed pickups; organized pickups often produce curb alerts on Craigslist Free. See ENV’s bulky FAQ for details. (honolulu.gov)
• Maui County: H‑HEAP crisis intake is through MEO; Maui has had extended disconnection moratoriums after the wildfires — ask Hawaiian Electric Maui if one is active the day you call. (hawaiianelectric.com)
• Hawaiʻi County: HCEOC caps crisis appointments each month and opens the phone line at 8:00 a.m. the first business day; call early. Water billing questions go to DWS by district. (hceoc.net)
• Kauaʻi: Kauaʻi Habitat ReStore inventory changes daily; call 1‑808‑335‑6105 before driving. The county’s reuse program updates accepted items and drop‑off limits — check the Reuse page before hauling. (hawaiihabitat.org)

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If Your Application Gets Denied

• Ask for the reason in writing: Denials often stem from missing documents or residency proof. Request the exact rule cited and the steps to fix it.
• Appeal or re‑apply: For DHS programs, ask the Public Assistance Information Line 1‑855‑643‑1643 how to request a fair hearing or submit missing docs. For H‑HEAP, ask when next month’s crisis appointments open. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)
• Try alternative routes: If you were denied a voucher, ask Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi for short‑term help and request that they email the thrift partner to hold specific items. Simultaneously post in Freecycle and the Buy Nothing app with photos of the space you need to furnish. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)

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Real‑World Examples

• Honolulu two‑kid household: Mom called 2‑1‑1, received a CCH referral, and picked up a table, chairs, and cookware a week later. A Salvation Army CAC voucher covered bedding. She set a payment plan with Hawaiian Electric while waiting for H‑HEAP. (auw211.org)
• Maui mom rehoused after the fires: Her SSVF case manager coordinated move‑in supplies and a Maui ReStore voucher; power reconnection was covered by H‑HEAP ECI via MEO. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)

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Honolulu Water Bill Help

If you’re in the City & County of Honolulu, you handle water/sewer with the Board of Water Supply. Call Customer Care at 1‑808‑748‑5030 to arrange a payment plan, and use the 24‑hour line 1‑808‑748‑5000 for emergencies. If your situation involves sewer billing questions, BWS handles billing; ENV’s FAQ page also lists key numbers. (www8.honolulu.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Aloha United Way 211 for any island‑specific “water bill hardship” funds open this month, and call your Council office for local relief days. (auw211.org)

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Maui Water Bill Help

For billing and service on Maui, contact the County Department of Water Supply or see Maui Recovers — water updates for post‑disaster meter reinstalls (1‑808‑270‑7834). Pair this with H‑HEAP crisis help via MEO if power is also at risk. (mauicounty.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Aloha United Way 211 to search “water bill assistance” for Maui County; request agencies that can issue one‑time pledges. (auw211.org)

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Troubleshooting Craigslist, Buy Nothing, and Freecycle

• Safety: Meet in public, bring a friend, and avoid night pickups. Use Facebook Marketplace safety tips and report scams fast. (facebook.com)
• Faster wins: Post an “ISO” with your cross‑street and pickup times on Freecycle and the Buy Nothing app at breakfast and dinner for best reach. (freecycle.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Pivot to agencies; a single voucher from Salvation Army or Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi can get you the core items in one trip. (hawaii.salvationarmy.org)

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FAQs — Answered

1. Where can I get a free bed on Oʻahu: Start with Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — CCH via a referral from Aloha United Way 211, then ask The Salvation Army CAC about a mattress voucher if inventory is low. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
2. Is there help for cribs and baby gear: Call WIC Hawaiʻi and HMHB MothersCare; ask about Cribs for Kids and check CPSC recalls before using second‑hand gear. (health.hawaii.gov)
3. Can Goodwill give free items: In disasters, Goodwill Hawaiʻi has distributed emergency vouchers; on regular days, stores are low‑cost. Ask your case manager or Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi if a voucher is available. (goodwillhawaii.org)
4. How long does H‑HEAP take: Crisis ECI can post in about 3–7 business days after your appointment; June Energy Credit posts later in summer. Confirm current amounts and windows on BESSD’s page or your utility’s H‑HEAP info. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)
5. How do I stop a utility shutoff today: Book an H‑HEAP crisis appointment and same‑day call your utility to set a payment plan. Numbers: Hawaiian Electric — Oʻahu 1‑808‑548‑7311; Maui 1‑808‑871‑9777; Hawaiʻi Island 1‑808‑969‑6999. (hawaiianelectric.com)
6. What if I need furniture on Kauaʻi: Shop Kauaʻi Habitat ReStore (call 1‑808‑335‑6105 first), ask Catholic Charities for a voucher, and post in island groups on Freecycle or TrashNothing. (hawaiihabitat.org)
7. I’m a DV survivor — can someone help me furnish a new place: Yes. Call DVAC (Oʻahu) or YWCA Kauaʻi to coordinate safety‑minded move‑in support and vouchers; on Maui, ask Women Helping Women for help. (domesticviolenceactioncenter.org)
8. Are there housing programs that include essentials: When you get placed through HPHA or a rehousing program, ask your case manager to connect you to Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — CCH or thrift vouchers for basics. (hpha.hawaii.gov)
9. Do Honolulu bulky pickups help with freebies: People often post “curb alerts” around bulky pickup dates. Check the city bulky FAQ and refresh Craigslist Free early mornings. (honolulu.gov)
10. I don’t have internet — how do I still apply: Call Aloha United Way 211 for phone numbers and mail‑in options; for DHS programs, apply by phone via 1‑855‑643‑1643 and ask for a mailed application; for WIC, call the state WIC line and ask for your nearest clinic. (auw211.org)

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Pro Tips for Faster Results

• Front‑load your needs: When calling any agency, say “We need a bed, table, and crib to move in safely; here’s our referral.” Then ask for delivery help.
• Ask for language or disability access: Programs can provide interpreters or large‑print forms; see HPHA language access and WIC’s multi‑language guides on Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi. (hpha.hawaii.gov)
• Keep everything in one folder: Put IDs, proof of address, and benefit letters together; take photos on your phone for backup.

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What to Do If This Doesn’t Work — Plan B

• Escalate with 2‑1‑1: Ask for a supervisor callback and permission to record a warm transfer to the next provider; request three referrals at once. Use the AUW 211 contact page for text/chat if phones are hard. (auw211.org)
• Ask your island’s HUD‑connected nonprofit: Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi (Community Assistance), Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, or veteran‑specific U.S.VETS can often unlock partner resources faster. (catholiccharitieshawaii.org)

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Spanish Summary — Resumen en Español (traducción generada con herramientas de IA)

Qué hacer hoy: Llame al 211 de Aloha United Way para una referencia rápida, pida “muebles/artículos para el hogar,” y solicite una llamada de tres vías con el proveedor. En Oʻahu, pida derivación a Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse. Para evitar el corte de electricidad, haga cita con H‑HEAP y llame a Hawaiian Electric para un plan de pagos. Para bebés, contacte WIC Hawaiʻi y HMHB MothersCare. Si su solicitud es rechazada, pida la razón por escrito y llame a Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi o Family Promise of Hawaiʻi para otras opciones. (auw211.org)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Aloha United Way 211
• Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services — BESSD (SNAP/TANF/H‑HEAP)
• Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse
• Hawaiian Electric — Customer Service and H‑HEAP info
• Hawaiʻi WIC — Department of Health
• Habitat for Humanity — Honolulu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi
• The Salvation Army — Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
• Family Promise of Hawaiʻi
• Hawaiʻi Public Housing Authority
• Domestic Violence Action Center

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

Important: This information is provided for general guidance only. Program rules, funding, store hours, and benefit amounts change. Always confirm current availability with the provider before applying or traveling. For emergencies or unsafe situations, call 9‑1‑1. For confidential referrals, call or text Aloha United Way 211. (auw211.org)

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Sources cited in‑text

Selected key references used to verify the statements above include:

• AUW 211 methods and hours and contact page (access to 4,000 programs). (auw.org)
• Helping Hands Hawaiʻi — Community Clearinghouse program details and donation guidelines. (helpinghandshawaii.org)
• Salvation Army Community Assistance Center (Oʻahu) and divisional contacts. (hawaii.salvationarmy.org)
• H‑HEAP program (BESSD); Hawaiian Electric H‑HEAP page; LIHEAP Clearinghouse — Hawaiʻi profile, last updated Mar. 18, 2025. (humanservices.hawaii.gov)
• Hawaiian Electric customer service numbers and payment arrangement options; Maui moratorium updates. (hawaiianelectric.com)
• Honolulu Board of Water Supply — contact and billing and ENV FAQ. (www8.honolulu.gov)
• WIC — Hawaiʻi DOH plus clinic list; Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi and The Parent Line. (health.hawaii.gov)
• Habitat ReStores — Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi, Maui hours and location, Kona/Hilo numbers, Kauaʻi contact. (honoluluhabitat.org)
• Family Promise of Hawaiʻi — contact and Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi — housing and veteran services. (familypromisehawaii.org)
• Freecycle Honolulu and Buy Nothing Project; Craigslist Free — Hawaiʻi. (freecycle.org)
• DVAC and YWCA Kauaʻi hotline. (domesticviolenceactioncenter.org)

Use these links each time you act — they’ll take you to the official pages and current numbers.

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🏛️More Hawaii Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Hawaii

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery