COVID-19: Resources for Hawaiʻi Residents
See below for a list of resources for individuals, families and small businesses during this current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This site was last updated on Oct. 8, 2020 and will continue to be updated.
If you need immediate medical care call 911**
Faith Action's Acting Executive Director, Ashleigh Loa, volunteers to deliver meals to kupuna with Malama Meals.
General Assistance Hotline
Dial 211 Available Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to connect to the Aloha United Way's free hotline where you can speak with someone to help you connect with assistance programs for food, shelter, drug treatment, childcare, job training and much more. This service is available Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Health Resources
What you should know about the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Read important facts and ways to help protect yourself during this pandemic from the Hawaiʻi Department of Health. Click here to learn about who is most at risk and ways to identify symptoms.
Free Coronavirus Hotline: (808) 697-3170
Available 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Daily
Provided by the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center this hotline is staffed with medical professionals to answer questions you have about COVID-19 or assist you if you're experiencing symptoms. This service is free, regardless if you have medical insurance or not.
COVID-19 Screening Sites on Oʻahu and Neighbor Islands
Click above to find a screening facility near you.
Click here for information if you want to get tested for COVID-19.
Kalihi-Palama Health Center for Oʻahu Residents
This nonprofit organization offers free assistance in helping individuals and families get access to healthcare and health insurance.
COVID-19 Testing is available even without Medical Insurance
Under the federal Families First Act, participating medical providers could provide COVID-19 testing free of charge for those without medical insurance. Inquire with your medical provider.
Free Hotline for Mental Health assistance:
on O'ahu (808) 832-3100
on neighbor islands call toll free 1-800-753-6879
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days week
This hotline is provided by Hawaii's Department of Health Adult Mental Health Division (AMHD). Trained professionals are available to assist individuals in times of a mental health crisis.
Financial Assistance
Apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits - See if you qualify
Apply for Hawaiʻi Unemployment Insurance
Most people (except for non citizens) will receive a one-time cash payment from the Federal government through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. If you have been filing yearly tax returns you do not need to apply and your payment will be sent to you automatically. Click here to read more about this package and find answers to frequently asked questions.
You may qualify for new tax benefits to help cover financial needs during this pandemic, including loans from retirement plans and penalty-free withdrawals.
Landlords who have federally backed mortgages or who receive federal subsidies (Section 8, Public Housing, USDA rural housing programs and Low Income Housing Tax Credits) are prohibited from evicting tenants or charging any fees for unpaid rent from March 27, 2020 through July 25, 2020. If you are not eligible, you can contact a housing counselor for more assistance by clicking here, or by calling (800) 569-4287.
You may qualify for mortgage payment forbearance if you've been financially impacted from the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The Federal CARES Act provides penalty-free mortgage payment forbearance if you have a federally held mortgage. These include mortgages backed by the FHA, USDA, HUD Sec 184, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
If your mortgage is not federally backed, you can reach out to your mortgage provider to inquire if they offer any assistance programs. You can also inquire with the Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi or look up a housing counselor near you here.
Federal Support for Small Businesses
Loans are available to support small businesses, independent contractors, and the self-employed who have been adversely affected by this pandemic. The SBA Paycheck Protection Program offers zero-fee loans, and up to 8 weeks of payroll, mortgage interest, rent and other operating expenses could be forgiven. Click here for more information on assistance for small business owners including tax credits.
Emergency Food Assistance on Oʻahu
Hawaiʻi Food Bank offers emergency food assistance handouts across Oʻahu. They partner with many other nonprofit organizations. Click here to see a full list of locations on Oʻahu:
For Hawaiʻi Island: The Food Basket
This nonprofit program was created by the City & County of Honolulu to provide free meals to seniors, children, or homeless populations in need during this pandemic.
Statewide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The new federal CARES Act increased funding for and expands who is eligible to receive SNAP benefits. Click here for the application.
Grab and Go Student Meals for Keiki
The Hawaiʻi Department of Education will provide free meals for students under 18 years old while public schools are closed due to the COVID-19 crisis. Click here for locations across the state.
YMCA Meals for Children - for Oʻahu
The YMCA is providing free "grab & go" meals for children at seven locations throughout Oʻahu. This program is ongoing until May 8, 2020. For a list of locations and available times click here.
Assistance for Homeowners & Renters
Support for Small Businesses
Access to Food
Child Care
Kamaʻaina Kids Provides Emergency Child Care
This program offers seven sites on Oʻahu, Maui and Hawaiʻi island for children (K-5) of essential employees who do not have access to child care. Limited space is available.
Child Care Facilities Resources
Click the link above to see a comprehensive map of child care facilities across the state, provided by the Hawaiʻi Children's Action Network (HCAN).
Access to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
If you are a medical/dental practice, adult or foster care facility, small hospital, child, school, small business or non-profit in Hawaii, you qualify to order free PPE from the State of Hawaii. It will take 2-3 months to get what you order, but you will receive a box of what is available now. Register and place your order here:
https://hawaii-medical-alliance.myshopify.com/
Click below for more information on PPE resources and how to order: