Homeless Assistance in Hawaii

Homeless Assistance in Hawaii

Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Hawaii residents.

7,900+
People experiencing homelessness
150+
Assistance programs statewide
$120M+
Federal housing funds
4 Counties
With local resources
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Need help right now? Contact us here — we can connect you to local shelters and services in Hawaii.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Hawaii residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Hawaii. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Hawaii. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Hawaii veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Hawaii residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Hawaii. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Hawaii receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Hawaii Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Hawaii locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Hawaii community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Hawaii residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Hawaii State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Hawaii for residents experiencing homelessness.

Hawaii Interagency Council on Homelessness

State-coordinated approach to end homelessness in Hawaii, managing emergency housing, rental assistance, and supportive services across all islands.

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TANF – Hawaii (TANF-SSP)

Cash assistance for Hawaii families with dependent children. Apply through the Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment & Support Services Division.

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Med-QUEST (Hawaii Medicaid)

Hawaii’s Medicaid managed care program. Provides health coverage for eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, and seniors.

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Hawaii Housing Programs

Hawaii Public Housing Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Hawaii residents.

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Hawaii Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Hawaii’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Hawaii households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Hawaii cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Honolulu

Institute for Human Services — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Honolulu area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Hilo

Hawaii Island CoC — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Hilo area.

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Kailua

Oahu CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Kailua area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Hawaii.

Contact NHREA here and we will connect you to available shelter beds in Hawaii. You can also visit 211.org to search for local resources.
No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Hawaii. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Hawaii benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.
Yes. Hawaii has strong programs for homeless veterans including:
  • HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
  • SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
  • Hawaii Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Hawaii veterans
Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.
Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Contact NHREA to find rapid re-housing programs in Hawaii.
Apply at Hawaii’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.