30+ nonprofits to receive $721,739 in OHA grant funding for food security Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF) today announced over 30 nonprofits that will receive a total of $721,739 in grants, funded by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, to support community-based food security efforts in Native Hawaiian communities statewide.
OHA Board approves $3 million in COVID-19 emergency relief funds
The OHA Board of Trustees announced the approval of a $3-million emergency relief package to help individual beneficiaries as well as Native Hawaiian communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated economic crisis.
OHA Kaiāulu Meals Program In early April, OHA launched Kaiāulu Meals, a $450,000 program that partners with a statewide network of community organizations to deliver 12 weeks of locally-sourced food to nearly 1,500 kūpuna in need.
Lāhui Kanaka
Kumu Hula strive to educate and inform the lāhui on the severity of COVID-19
Free Webinar: COVID-19 Relief for Local Farmers New COVID-19 relief funds for FARMERS have recently been released by the U.S. Small Business Administration. OHA and partners teamed up on April 28, 2020 to share important information with our local farmers, so they can access the COVID-19 relief funds before they run out.
OHA Emergency Assistance Kahiau Program administered by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
Phone: 808-784-4464
OHA is working with CNHA on the closeout of their contract to disburse emergency financial assistance. The applications CNHA has identified that are pending payment and that meet eligibility requirements will be issued disbursements.
OHA’s goal is to ensure that applications that meet eligibility requirements are issued disbursements. OHA anticipates that this process will be completed by the end of March.
OHA’s Mālama Loan Program If you are a current loan borrower that has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may qualify for a loan deferment. Please email NHRLF staff atnhrlf@ohaloanfund.org.
University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine students created videos to remind people about the importance of washing your hands, wearing face masks, practicing physical distancing, exercise during COVID-19, and more. Videos can be watched in either ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi or English.
COVID-19 FINANCIAL RELIEF FUNDS
There are several federal and local resources available to support individuals and local businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Hoʻāla Assistance Program provides one-time emergency financial assistance (up to $1000 per household) to Hawaiʻi residents facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. HRF is made possible through a partnership between the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Hawaiʻi Community Foundation, and Pierre & Pam Omidyar. The program aims to provide stability to families during this emergency situation.
INDIVIDUAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Everyone, including those who are uninsured, should be eligible for cost-free COVID-19 testing (when ordered by a health provider), as well as other health protections and benefits. More information about health resources.
Hawai‘i Coordinated Access Resource Entry System (C.A.R.E.S.) is a 24/7 hotline for crisis support, mental health resources, and substance use treatment services. To access services through Hawai‘i C.A.R.E.S., call 1 (800) 753-6879 or text ALOHA to 741741.
TAX RELIEF
You may qualify for new tax benefits that are available to help cover financial needs during the public health emergency. More information about tax relief.
You may be eligible for new protections and assistance programs, including financial relief, retirement savings, tax relief, health, nutrition and support programs for seniors, and housing security. More information for Kūpuna.
Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands If you are a current DHHL loan borrower that has experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19, you may qualify for a loan deferment.
USDA Grants for Certain Food Related Small Businesses for Pandemic Safety Related Costs – capped at $20K— USDA Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program will accept applications starting October 2021. Click here for more information.
Hawaiʻi Energy Relief Grant for Businesses and Nonprofits —Hawaiʻi Energy has a grant program designed specifically for Hawaiʻi businesses experiencing losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, grants may cover up to 100% of total project costs (up to $25,000 per application) of an energy efficiency project. The grant award will be disbursed after project completion after all required documentation has been submitted, verified and approved by Hawaiʻi Energy. Applications are due Sept. 30, 2020, 5pm. Get more information about the program and apply here.
If you’re an independent contractor, gig-economy worker, or are self-employed, you could be eligible for new resources to help cover your financial needs. More information for contract workers.
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund Through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, $500 grants are being provided to restaurant industry employees who have been adversely impacted by COVID-19, financially, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. Applications may be submitted starting April 2, 2020.
University of Hawaiʻi Urgent Student Relief Fund
The Urgent Student Relief Fund assists University of Hawaiʻi students who have experienced unexpected financial hardships incurred while enrolled at any UH campus. Approved awards are generally between $100-$500 and amounts are based on the type of request and urgency of the hardship. Exceptions for amounts greater than $500 may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Deadline Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline to apply for the program to September 11th, and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. After reviewing over 1,700 responses, even more farmers and ranchers will have the opportunity for assistance to help keep operations afloat during these tough times.Learn more and apply here.
Federal COVID-19 Relief Packages
This comprehensive breakdown of the three federal COVID-19 relief packages was put together by a coalition of Native Hawaiian agencies.
Aloha United Way – Call 211 Aloha United Way 211 is Hawaii’s only comprehensive, statewide community information and referral service. Call 211 for COVID-19 information. 211 specialists help you find food, shelter, financial assistance, child care, parenting support, and much more.
Hawaii Public Housing Authority plans to operate a short-term meal program for individuals who are: 1) 65 years or older; 2) disabled individuals; or 3) individuals who recently tested COVID19 positive or have been exposed to COVID-19 and are in quarantine. Further, you must not be participating in any other meal assistance program, such as receiving EBT or SNAP benefits. This will help to ensure that as a community we are assisting as many eligible individuals as possible. Families can elect for a weekly food box, or two meals delivered a day. Download the application form
Hawaii County Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program (RMAP)
RMAP nonprofit partners are encouraging Hawaii Island residents who are at least 18 years old and lost income or work hours due to COVID-19. Apply now
95 Mahalani Street, Suite 28-1B
Wailuku, HI 96793
Phone: 808-242-9774
Website: www.alulike.org
Kokua Maui County Small Business Recovery & Relief Fundaims to help local small businesses recover and survive impacts from COVID-19. The fund covers up to $7,500 in reimbursable business expenses limited to rent/lease payments, utility payments and COVID-19-related safety precautions at the place of business. Learn more and apply online here– deadline for applications is October 31.
MOLOKAI
Maui Economic Development – Foodbank
380 Kolapa Place
Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Phone: 808-553-3216
Kaunoa Senior Center – Meals on Wheels
Mohala Street
Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Phone: 808-553-5402
Alu Like, Inc.
P.O. Box 1859
Kaunakakai, HI 96748
Phone: 808-553-5393
Website: www.alulike.org
City & County of Honolulu COVID-19 Household Hardship Relief Fund The City Administration in cooperation with the Honolulu City Council established the COVID-19 HHRF >with $25 Million in CARES Act funds to offer quick financial relief to Oʻahu households impacted by the pandemic. City and County of Honolulu COVID-19 Household Hardship Relief Fund (HHRF) Program.
The Culture and Arts Relief and Recovery Fund
Up to $50,000 Available For Eligible Culture and Arts Organizations. The City and County of Honolulu Culture and Arts Relief and Recovery Fund is now accepting applications. Learn more about the relief fund
Alu Like, Inc.
2969 Māpunapuna Place, Suite 200
Honolulu, HI 96819
Phone: 808-535-6700
Website: www.alulike.org
During this COVID-19 situation, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ priority is to maintain safe and healthy community and work environments for OHA staff and beneficiaries, while also limiting disruptions in our services to the lāhui to the extent possible.
OHA’s offices remain closed to the public through June 30, 2021. This includes our Honolulu, neighbor island and Washington, D.C., offices.
Nevertheless, services to our beneficiaries continue as they have since March 2020, as non-essential OHA staff continue to telework from home.
OHA will re-assess our operational plans in 15 days, paying close attention to federal and state guidance. Updates to our operational plans and available services will be posted at www.oha.org and on OHA social media platforms.
While these are unprecedented times, our Lāhui has historically demonstrated remarkable resiliency in the face of daunting challenges. Our aloha spirit as well as our strong sense of kuleana to mālama each other are the unbreakable cultural values that have enabled us to persevere as a people. OHA stands with our community and is committed to continuing to serve our beneficiaries during this time of need.
Updates and additional information will be available here at www.oha.org, on OHA social media platforms and via phone at 808-594-1835.
For more information about COVID-19, please visit:
