Hawaiʻi Relief Program now accepting applications from those impacted by federal gov’t shutdown

At a time when federal support is paused, Hawaiʻi is stepping up to make sure our kūpuna, our keiki and our working families are supported.

Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green is leading a coordinated relief effort to protect Hawaiʻi families from impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown, now in its 29th day.

The Green Administration is activating multiple avenues of support to thousands of households that might temporarily lose benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP — commonly called food stamps — beginning Nov. 1.

Applications for the new Hawaiʻi Relief Program are being accepted now.

“These are challenging times for working families across Hawaiʻi. No one should go hungry or lose stability because of gridlock in Washington, D.C.,” said Green in announcing the relief effort. “Our administration, together with the [Hawaiʻi Legislature], the Department of Human Services, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Department of Education and community partners — is stepping up to ensure everyone in Hawaiʻi has access to food and essential aid during this federal shutdown.”

The shutdown of the federal government has caused uncertainty and will result in food insecurity for 165,000 people who depend on SNAP throughout the islands.

Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services, along with partners Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and Maui Economic Opportunity, also under the Hawaiʻi Relief Program, will provide up to 4 months of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program support for housing and utility payments to eligible families with at least one dependent child in their household and are in financial crisis or need.

The Hawaiʻi Relief Program is separate from the ongoing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash assistance benefits and has a different application process, eligibility criteria and requirements.

People do not need to be on SNAP to apply for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program.

To be eligible for the new state relief program, a family must:

• Demonstrate a financial crisis or an episode of need.
• Have at least one dependent child younger than 18 yeas old in the family.
• Meet the income eligibility guidelines.

A financial crisis or episode of need exists when there is financial instability because of an unexpected event — such as a furlough, layoff, medical emergency, natural disaster, etc. — and an impending eviction or disconnection of a utility source because the family is behind on housing or utility payments, or the family is currently homeless.

A family can apply for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families housing and utility payments support through the Hawaiʻi Relief Program based on its current needs.

Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services contracted Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and Maui Economic Opportunity to administer the Hawaiʻi Relief Program statewide.

Catholic Charities Hawai‘i will administer the Hawaiʻi Relief Program on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island, while Maui Economic Opportunity will administer the program on the islands of Maui, Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi.

“Through this initiative, we can continue serving Hawai‘i’s families with compassion and integrity, ensuring that essential support reaches those most affected by the federal shutdown,” said state Department of Human Services Deputy Director Joseph Campos in the announcement.

Green provided $2 million in state support as part of the coordinated relief response that will come from the state Department of Human Services to Hawai‘i Foodbank for statewide support in this time of need.

These resources will immediately bolster local food banks so they can continue delivering essential food assistance to communities on every island.

“The state’s new Hawai‘i Relief Program reflects what Hawai‘i does best: Our community coming and working together to help those in time of need,” said Catholic Charities Hawai‘i President and Chief Executive Officer Tina Andrade in the announcement.

Visit the appropriate website or call the office on your island for additional information or to apply for the relief program. See the information below:

Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi for residents on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu and Hawaiʻi Island

• Phone: 808-521-4357, press “8” for the Hawaiʻi Relief Program team.
• Email: hrp.help@catholiccharitieshawaii.org
• Website and online application: https://www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org/state-housing-and-utility-program-hup/
• Kauaʻi Office: 4373 Rice St., #1, Līhuʻe

Click here for Hawai‘i Relief Program frequently asked questions. Click here for a video statement from DHS Deputy Director Joseph Campos.