Housing Assistance Resources in Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the highest housing costs in the nation, making rental and housing assistance critically important for many families and individuals across the islands. Whether you are facing eviction, experiencing homelessness, struggling to pay rent, or looking for subsidized housing, a range of federal and state-administered programs can help. Because eligibility rules, funding availability, and local contacts vary by county and change over time, the most reliable first step is always to call 2-1-1 Hawaii — available 24/7 by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting 211hawaii.org — to be connected to current resources on your specific island.

The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), which operates under the Hawaii Department of Human Services, oversees federally funded public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs statewide. Wait lists for these programs can be long, so it is important to apply as early as possible and to ask about your place on the list regularly. In addition, HUD's Continuum of Care network funds local nonprofit organizations on each island that provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid rehousing services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

If you are in a housing crisis right now, do not wait — contact 2-1-1 Hawaii immediately, or reach out to the nearest HUD-funded Continuum of Care provider on your island. Social workers and case managers can also help you navigate multiple programs at once, including utility assistance through LIHEAP, food support through SNAP, and health coverage through Med-QUEST (Hawaii's Medicaid program), so that housing costs become more manageable overall.