Aloha United Way (AUW) is actively working to protect the health, safety, and well-being of our communities as Hawai‘i confronts the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Below you will find information and programs that may be of assistance during this unusual time.
Eviction Moratorium - Assistance & Information
The recent CDC eviction moratorium may impact tenants and landlords in counties across Hawai‘i. For more information, visit: legalaidsociety.org
If I am unable to pay my rent, what should I do?
We encourage you to apply for rental assistance immediately. Federal rental assistance provides up to 12 months of rent to those less than 80% of AMI with priority to those less than 50% of AMI or unemployed and who are at risk of homelessness. Payment goes directly to the landlord and landlords can also apply with consent of tenant.
- Oahu: oneoahu.org/renthelp
- Hawai‘i County: HawaiiCountyERAP.org
- Kauai County: kauairenthelp.com UPDATE -- As of March 15, 2022, Kaua'i County’s Coronavirus Rental and Utility Assistance Program (CRUA), administered by Kaua‘i Federal Credit Union, has successfully distributed approximately $20,000,000 in emergency rental assistance to Kaua‘i households suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic. This has been a tremendous infusion of much-needed assistance into the community.CRUA assistance will pause for the month of April while CRUA transitions to a new funding source. New applications may be submitted during that time and will be reviewed, however rent and utility payments will not be processed until CRUA reopens in May. Applicants in our program do not need to reapply, and we will do our best to ensure your financial assistance will continue without disruption in May. Further, if you have recently applied, and are in process of finalizing your application, your application will continue to be processed and funded.
- Maui County: mauicounty.gov/2438/Maui-County-Emergency-Rental-Assistance-
DHHL Emergency Rental Assistance Program: hawaiiancouncil.org/dhhl. Must be Native Hawaiian.
If you or your loved ones are at risk of being evicted, please review these materials from the Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i:
- Nonpayment of Rent Notice Requirements (Updated 7/15/2021)
- Tenant Rights & Responsibilities (Updated 8/6/2021)
- Landlord Rights & Responsibilities (Updated 8/7/2021)
If you aren’t sure which resource applies to you, please call 211 or visit our 211 website to connect with our specialists who can assist you with information that will relate to your specific family needs.
Utility Disconnection Moratorium Ended in May
Approximately 3% of Hawai‘i’s households met the past due threshold for disconnection. Hawaiian Electric has automatically enrolled those customers in a payment plan arrangement.
More information here: Press Release
#HIGotVaccinated
Aloha United Way (AUW) has joined the #HIGotVaccinated campaign to ensure that technology and language are not barriers to any Hawai‘i resident who wants to access rewards for being vaccinated.
Anyone in the state can now call 2-1-1, Aloha United Way’s free and confidential helpline for assistance entering #HiGotVaccinated over the phone. Helpline specialists are also equipped to assist callers in more than 240 languages through translation services.
The #HIGotVaccinated campaign enables Hawai‘i residents 18 and older, vaccinated on or before June 30, to enter to win prizes donated by the local business community. Since the launch of the campaign, more than 200,000 entries have been received.
The #HIGotVaccinated Campaign was launched in the beginning of June as a partnership between government, healthcare, business, and community partners. Through this effort, local businesses are offering discounts and prize giveaways during the month of June. A list of discounts, entry instructions, and terms and conditions can be found at HIGotVaccinated.com.
HAWAIʻI UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Due to high demand for assistance, this program’s funds have been depleted. Aloha United Way has stopped accepting new applications for this program.
MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION
Please consider contacting Aloha United Way 211 to see if you may be eligible for other services in your area. 211 programs provide information and referrals about all available community services. 211 may have information about resources like rent assistance, food, transportation, and healthcare programs. Simply dial 211 or visit www.auw211.org.