Sometimes we all need a little help. We’ve compiled a list of some great resources for those in need of assistance, such as immediate housing, care giver services, and more.
Note: The information provided below is reproduced from the groups’ respective websites.
Referral Services for Critical Needs
Elderly Affairs Division, City & County of Honolulu
The City’s Elderly Affairs Division is a good go-to resource; they can help pinpoint available services and assistance based on your unique circumstances. Their Senior Handbook lists a ton of information on services and agencies. View it online at www.ElderlyAffairs.com, or call their Senior Helpline: 808-768-7700.
Aloha United Way 211
Aloha United Way 211 is Hawaii’s only comprehensive, statewide community information and referral service. Free and confidential. 211 Information and Referral Specialists help you find food, shelter, financial assistance, child care, parenting support, elderly care, disability services, job training and much more. Connect with a 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
St. Francis C.A.R.E. PLUS Program
Determining what kind of care is best for a family member can be difficult when you’re unfamiliar with what is available and what your loved one might need. St. Francis Healthcare System points you to programs that we offer or to other services in the community. Our goal is simply to help you find the right kind of care at the right time.
The Franciscan C.A.R.E. PLUS Program is a home-based service…our program pairs you and your family with an experienced, licensed social worker who serves as your personal coach, your healthcare advocate and your expert to put you in touch with available community resources.
Call (808) 547-6500, M-F from 8am-4:30pm or visit www.stfrancishawaii.org/s/careCoordination
Senior Companion Program
The Hawai’i State Department of Human Services’ Senior Companion Program is a part-time volunteer program that enrolls eligible low-income seniors statewide to provide in-home companionship and limited personal care to frail elders and respite to caregivers. To apply to be a Senior Companion, an individual must be at least 55 years of age, physically able to volunteer 20 hours per week, and meet income and other program requirements. To receive Senior Companion Services, an individual or family must meet program related requirements. To become a companion, apply for services, or for more information about this program, call the Senior Companion Program office on Oahu at (808) 832-0340.
Licensed Home Care Agencies
The State Department of Health’s Office of Health Care Assurance has helpful information on understanding and finding home care and care giving services, including a list of state licensed agencies at https://health.hawaii.gov/ohca/state-licensing-section/hcal/. The list is searchable by island and neighborhood, and includes contact info.
Home care services include but are not limited to:
Personal care, including assistance with dressing, feeding, and personal hygiene to facilitate self-care;
Homemaker assistance, including housekeeping, shopping, meal planning and preparation; or
Respite care and assistance and support provided to the family.
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.
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.