Aloha United Way 211
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Hawaii. You can also call 877 275 6569.
Official page: auw211.org/contact
Find Help Near You in Hawaii
Private help lines for Hawaii, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Hawaii who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local benefit processing center. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. On Oahu, the Honolulu Department of Community Services at 808 768 7762 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: auw211.org, honolulu.gov/dcs
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii helps residents across Hawaii at 808 536 4302 or 800 499 4302.
Official page: legalaidhawaii.org
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. LIHEAP helps households who qualify pay energy bills. Dial 211, call 855 643 1643, or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Hawaii Civil Rights Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc
What does HHFDC offer renters?
The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation shares housing resources across the state, with tools to help you search for affordable housing, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies? Check the official page below.
Official page: dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc
How do I find my local processing center?
Dial 211, or use the processing center finder on the Hawaii DHS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Hawaii
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Hawaii Department of Human Services processing centers
Processing centers serve every county for SNAP, Med QUEST and cash assistance. They can tell you about emergency housing programs and other local services.
Official page: humanservices.hawaii.gov
Hawaii LIHEAP (energy help)
Help paying energy bills for households who qualify, through community action agencies across the state.
Official page: humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/liheap
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii
Civil legal help across Hawaii for people who qualify, with problems like housing, family and benefits. You can also call 800 499 4302.
Official page: legalaidhawaii.org
Hawaii Civil Rights Commission
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints.
Official page: labor.hawaii.gov/hcrc
Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC)
Information for renters and homeowners in Hawaii, including affordable housing resources.
Official page: dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc
Hawaii Public Housing Authority
Public housing programs and rental voucher information across Hawaii.
Official page: hpha.hawaii.gov/contact
Honolulu Department of Community Services
Oahu county programs, including housing stability support, elderly services and community resources.
Official page: honolulu.gov/dcs
Hawaii Office of Community Services
The state office that works with community action agencies across Hawaii for utility help, job training and support.
Official page: labor.hawaii.gov/ocs/contact
Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO)
Housing help, employment programs and family support for Maui County residents.
Official page: meoinc.org
Kauai Economic Opportunity
Help and community referrals for people in Kauai County.
Official page: keoinc.org
Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council
Help and community referrals for people on Hawaii Island.
Official page: hceoc.net/contact
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Hilo
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Hilo. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local human services office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if electricity and water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Hawaii
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.