Sometimes we all need a little help. We’ve compiled some great resources for those in need of assistance in these difficult times — like referrals for help with critical needs, resolving landlord/tenant issues, and how to safely share living space with others during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Note: The information provided below is reproduced from the groups’ respective websites.
Referral Services for Critical Needs
Aloha United Way 211
Sometimes you need more than an Internet search – You need a conversation. Aloha United Way 211 is Hawaii’s only comprehensive, statewide community information and referral service. Free and confidential.
211 specialists help you find food, shelter, financial assistance, child care, parenting support, elderly care, disability services, job training and much more.
Connect with an Information and Referral Specialist by phone, text, or email, 7:00 am to 10pm, 7 days a week, or search our database online 24/7.
-CALL 2-1-1- or 1-877-275-6569
-TEXT for help – 877-275-6569 Please include zip code
-EMAIL for help – info211@auw.org Response within one business day
-ONLINE SEARCH AUW211’s database – https://www.auw211.org/Search.aspx
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
Call: (808) 521-4357 or Visit: www.catholiccharitieshawaii.org
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i has centers throughout the State serving all Counties, with offices on Hawai‘i island, Kaua‘i, Maui, and O‘ahu. Qualified lower income families and seniors can receive everything from referrals to limited amounts of direct financial aid for basic needs. Assistance with paying bills given COVID-19 economic problems may be possible. Other services include mentoring, counseling, and case management. Most applicants will need to go through an assessment and intake period.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i has extensive Senior Services offered statewide. These resources can help the individuals over the age of 55 maintain their independence in the community. They provide supportive services and advocates for social justice on their behalf. Assistance includes affordable housing, transportation, respite for caregivers, applications for government aid such as Medicare, and more.
Kanu Hawaii
Kanu Hawaii “provides tools and opportunities for people to connect with one another – to take action that builds more compassionate and resilient communities across Hawaii.” They have a variety of initiatives, including COVID-19: Respond with Aloha, Voter Participation, Community Resilience, and Volunteer opportunities.
Visit their Kupuna Food Security Coalition page for resources that help feed hungry seniors during the pandemic.
Landlord/Tenant Issues
(from www.honolulu.gov/housing/faqs)
Landlord-tenant concerns and/or a complaint. Where can I go for help? Please go to the State’s Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), Office of Consumer Protection (OCP): http://cca.hawaii.gov/ocp/landlord_tenant/. Landlord-Tenant Information – Call 808-586-2634, Monday – Friday 7:45 am – 4:30 pm, except holidays.
I’m having a problems in a landlord/tenant dispute and need help. Who can I call for help? Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, consider The Mediation Center of the Pacific (MCP), a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, that has assisted thousands of people in Hawaii’s communities to prevent and resolve disputes since 1979. The MCP provides Early Access Mediation (EAM) for landlord/tenant disputes, at NO COST TO EITHER PARTY. To find out more information, please visit The Mediation Center of the Pacific website (www.mediatehawaii.org) or call 808-521-6767, Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, except holidays.
Living Together Safely
CDC COVID-19 Guidelines for Living in Shared Housing
Shared housing residents often gather together closely for social, leisure, and recreational activities, shared dining, laundry facilities, stairwells, and elevators and may have challenges with social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Click here to see the CDC’s complete, current guidelines on their website.
COVID Pau
A Project of the Hawai’i COVID Collaborative. Contains regularly updated data and resources related to Hawai’i COVID status.