Looking for rent and utility help in Honolulu

(Request from Jessica in Honolulu, Hawaii) I am a mother of 3 and my husband (who is the breadwinner of our family) is going to jail. I am currently attending medical transcription courses online, but will not be graduating until July 27 of this year. I have no savings to speak of, and I am not currently working. I really need any assistance that is available, including rental/utility, and help finding a job for myself and 18 year old stepdaughter. As I said, I will be graduating soon, but my stepdaughter has never worked. She has filled out some applications and handed out resumes, but has had no reply. I would appreciate any help with these issues, or if there is a case worker that can work with me, that would be great. Thank you.

Dear Jessica,

The timing of everything certainly makes it difficult for you to make ends meet in the next three months. I think you hit the nail on the head in terms of meeting with a case manager. This will be necessary in order to first gain all of the specific details about your family and your situation. Additionally, a case manager will be able to connect you with the services that you will most likely qualify for.

Sometimes these services are available within the agency that you contact. Other times you may be connected to available services through referrals to outside organizations. A knowledgeable case worker will understand the opportunities and requirements of all major and many minor programs that serve families like yours.

While single mothers of young children have many options, it takes an experienced case worker to know how a prison sentence may qualify or disqualify an applicant for rental assistance. You should point out to your case manager how the temporary loss of your family’s breadwinner is creating a serious hardship for the family.

Helping Hands Hawaii

This organization may be one of the best resources for you to find help with rent and utility payments. Helping Hands Hawaii assists with both needs.

You may find that Helping Hands Hawaii is one of the most connected organizations on the island. They can help to leverage relationships with other organizations to line up available funding (from public and private sources).

IHS

The Institute for Human Services (IHS) provides local programs for at-risk families who may otherwise face homelessness without the rental assistance provided through the agency. Rent aid usually comes in the form of helping tenants with rent and utility deposits on a new rental property. The organization can also provide late rent payments.

IHS is a second option for helping you achieve help with your rent and utility bills over the next 3 months. Call IHS at 808-447-2887 for information about rent and utility help in Honolulu.

The most important step is to call and set up an appointment with a case manager. Once you have your appointment scheduled, you can get the information and available help that you need to make sure that you do not have to fear becoming homeless.

These grant programs will certainly be a better option than borrowing money in the form of a rent loan. Borrowing money for living expenses when your income is taking a hit is a dangerous option that should be avoided if possible.