Considered one of the most beautiful states in the country, Hawaii is a place that tourists and locals love alike. It’s also a place that has a high cost of living, which makes it difficult for some people to make ends meet. There may be times when people who live in Hawaii struggle to pay their bills and make sure their basic needs are met. The good news is that there is financial help for African Americans in Hawaii.
The programs that are offering financial help for African Americans in Hawaii are largely funded by the federal government. They have these programs in place to ensure that people’s needs are being met. The programs help with everything from obtaining food to paying utility bills to finding affordable housing and everything in between. Another piece of good news is that the help provided is not considered a loan, so it never has to be paid back.
Financial Help for African Americans in Hawaii
Contact each of the programs listed if you feel you qualify for the assistance they are providing. There is no limit to the number of programs you can apply for and receive funds from. If you get approval from several of them, then your needs will all be met.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – This program was formerly known as food stamps. It is a government-funded program that will provide people with the means to purchase food. Those who are approved for SNAP will receive an electronically loaded debit card that can be used to pay for food at the store or farmer’s market. The amount that you receive each month is determined by how many people you are providing for. The more people you are providing for, the more money you will receive each month. There is no limit to how long you can receive assistance from SNAP. To get more information or apply, click here.
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – This program provides people with cash assistance. The cash that people receive each month is to be used to help pay for basic living needs. It can be used on things like rent, food, clothing, paying bills, etc. This program is open to those who have at least one minor child that they are caring for. The amount of your cash benefit each month is determined by how many dependents you have. There is a limit on how long you can receive TANF in Hawaii. This program also offers financial assistance for families that may have citizenship issues. To get more information or apply, click here.
General Assistance (GA) – This program is similar to TANF, but they do not require you to have any minor dependents. This program is open to any individuals or couples who need cash assistance and are over the age of 18. The monthly amount of cash being provided is $348. To qualify for GA, you have to have a low income. The cash you receive from this program can be used on things like housing, food, bills, transportation, etc. To get more information or apply, click here.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – This program focuses on helping people with their housing needs. They will provide financial help for African Americans by helping to pay rent, avoid foreclosure, and provide access to affordable housing. They also have access to government-owned housing units that they allow people to live in for free. To quality for HUD in Hawaii you have to have a low income and be a legal citizen or legal non-citizen. The program will also help with weatherization services and paying for necessary home repairs. To get more information about the programs offered through HUD, click here.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – This program will provide financial help for African Americans in Hawaii by helping to pay utility bills. The program receives a block grant each year from the government. They give the funds away to those in need on a first come, first served basis. Once the money is gone they have no more until the next year. Due to this, it’s important to apply yearly for the funds and get the application in early. Those who are approved will get help paying their utility bill. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be the person responsible for paying the bill. To get more information, click here.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – This program is government funded and focuses on providing healthy food each month to pregnant women or women who have at least one child under the age of five. To qualify, you have to have a low income and be considered nutritionally at risk. To apply for WIC, you have to visit one of their clinics and apply in person. The program also provides help regarding breastfeeding, nutrition education, and social service referrals. They can also provide help obtaining infant formula for those who need it. To get more information or find a location near you, click here.
Catholic Charities – This organization helps many people around the country. They have locations in Hawaii that will provide financial help for African Americans by providing free food, clothing, shelter, bill payment assistance, and more. They do not have strict requirements for getting help. It is generally open to everyone in the community who needs assistance. Those who are approved will be able to go to the store each month and get healthy food items. To get more information, find a location near you to get in touch with. To find a location near you, click here.
Salvation Army – This faith-based organization helps people by providing them with free hot meals, boxes of food, transportation vouchers, counseling services, shelters, and much more. They have locations around the country and do not have strict requirements you have to meet to get the help. They will help everyone in the community who needs it. To get more information about the Salvation Army and services they provide, click here.