In Hawaii, living paycheck to paycheck is the norm for many working families. One unexpected event—a sudden medical bill, a transmission failure, or a reduction in work hours—can spiral into a housing crisis.
If you are struggling to pay rent this month, do not wait. The biggest mistake tenants make is hiding from their landlord until the eviction notice arrives. By then, it is often too late for rental assistance programs to intervene.
At HAPI, our goal is to keep you housed. We have compiled a verified list of 2026 Emergency Rental Assistance resources available across Oahu and the Neighbor Islands. Here is your step-by-step guide to getting approved for funding.
Step 1: Communicate with Your Landlord (The “Promise to Pay”)
Silence is your enemy.
Before you call a charity, walk into your leasing office. Ignoring the rent due date is often interpreted as “refusal to pay,” which triggers legal action.
- Be Honest: “I had a medical emergency and I am short $400 this month.”
- Ask for a Payment Plan: Many affordable housing providers (including HAPI) are willing to work out a “Promise to Pay” agreement if you have a solid plan to catch up. A written plan can often stop the automatic eviction process.
- Why this matters: Eviction is expensive and time-consuming for us, too. We want you to stay. But we can’t help if we don’t know there is a problem.
Tool Tip: Not sure how much you can afford to pay? Use our Paycheck Pacer Tool to calculate exactly how much you need to set aside from your next check to get back on track.
Step 2: Prepare Your “Crisis Pack” Documents
Agencies need proof before they cut a check.
Non-profits work on a “first-come, first-served” basis with complete applications. If you call them without these documents ready, you will likely be told to call back later, losing precious time.
- Photo ID for all adults in the household.
- Lease Agreement (Signed copy showing your name and rent amount).
- Past Due Notice or Eviction Notice (Proof of urgency).
- Proof of Hardship (Termination letter, medical bill, car repair receipt, or paystubs showing reduced hours).
- Proof of Income (Paystubs for all adults for the last 30 days).
- The “Hardship Letter”: A simple letter explaining why you can’t pay this month and how you plan to pay next month.
- W-9 Form from Landlord (Agencies pay the landlord directly, not you. Ask your manager for this form).
Step 3: Apply to the Right Agency
Who to call for cash assistance.
Don’t just Google “help.” Use our Resource Compass Tool to find agencies specific to your island, or call these major providers directly:
| Organization | Best For… | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Charities Hawaii | General Emergency. Open to all. They offer counseling and direct financial aid for rent/utilities to prevent homelessness. | (808) 521-4357 |
| Aloha United Way (211) | The “911” for Help. Dial 2-1-1. Their operators have the most up-to-date database of open grants and can refer you based on your zip code. | Dial 2-1-1 |
| Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement | Native Hawaiian Families. Often manages specific grant buckets for DHHL beneficiaries or Native Hawaiian families facing instability. | (808) 596-8155 |
| The Salvation Army | Immediate Crisis. Can sometimes provide smaller, immediate cash grants for utilities (LIHEAP) or partial rent to stop an eviction. | (808) 988-2136 |
| Institute for Human Services (IHS) | At Risk of Homelessness. If you have already received an eviction notice, IHS specializes in rapid re-housing and case management. | (808) 447-2800 |
Understanding “Eviction Mediation”
Your legal safety net if you can’t pay.
If you cannot find assistance and the landlord files for eviction, you still have rights. In many counties (especially Maui under Act 202 and Oahu under pilot programs), landlords are encouraged or required to offer Mediation before going to court.
- What it is: A neutral third party helps you and the landlord agree on a payment plan or a move-out date. It is a private, confidential meeting.
- Why do it: If you agree to a plan in mediation, you avoid an Eviction Judgment on your public record. An eviction on your record makes it nearly impossible to rent again in Hawaii for 7 years.
- Contact: The Mediation Center of the Pacific offers these services, often for free or low cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get help if I already moved out?
Rarely. Most rental assistance is designed for “Eviction Prevention” (keeping you in your current unit) or “Rapid Re-Housing” (deposit for a new unit). It is very difficult to get grant money to pay off “old debt” or collections from a previous apartment you no longer live in.
Does receiving help affect my credit?
No. Receiving a grant from a charity does not show up on your credit report. However, an eviction judgment stays on your record for 7 years. It is always better to ask for help than to get evicted.
Is there still "COVID Money" available?
No. The federal ERAP (Emergency Rental Assistance Program) funds from the pandemic have ended. Current assistance comes from state grants and private donations, which is why funds are more limited and often have stricter eligibility rules.
Can I apply to multiple agencies?
Yes. However, you must disclose this. You cannot “double dip” (get paid twice for the same month of rent), but you can often combine help (e.g., Catholic Charities pays half, Salvation Army pays half) to cover a large balance.
What if I just need help with electricity?
If your HECO bill is the problem, apply for LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). This is a federal program specifically for utility bills. You can also use our Appliance Cost Calculator to see exactly what is driving up your bill so you can lower it next month.
Don’t Face This Alone
If you are a HAPI resident and are worried about rent, please come talk to us. We can print your ledger, provide the W-9 form, and help point you toward the right agency.
