In Hawaiʻi, Governor Josh Green has activated a coordinated relief effort to shield Hawaiʻi families from the adverse effects of the federal shutdown. Home to over 165,000 individuals who rely on federal SNAP benefits, the state is set to face significant challenges starting November 1 due to the federal government's closure. In response, the Governor, alongside various state agencies and community partners, is launching the Hawaiʻi Relief Program. The initiative will provide temporary assistance for housing and utility payments through TANF to eligible households, with applications accepted beginning yesterday.
As the federal gridlock persists, the Green Administration is working with the Hawaiʻi State Legislature, the Department of Human Services (DHS), and local nonprofit organizations like Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi (CCH) and Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. (MEO) to provide assistance to affected families. According to a statement on the Governor's website, residents who have at least one dependent child and are experiencing financial turmoil as a result of unexpected events like layoffs or furloughs could be eligible for up to four months of support.
The Hawaiʻi Relief Program is designed to address immediate needs and is separate from ongoing TANF cash benefits. It features its own application process and eligibility criteria. CCH is administering the program on the islands of Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island, while MEO is handling the program for residents of Maui, Molokaʻi, and Lānaʻi. Governor Green has also provided $2 million in state support to the Hawai‘i Foodbank, ramping up resources for local food distribution during this period of disrupted federal support.
"These are challenging times for working families across Hawaiʻi. No one should go hungry or lose stability because of gridlock in Washington, D.C.," Governor Green stated. Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi President and CEO Tina Andrade expressed gratitude for the partnership with the Governor and DHS in a time when community cooperation is most imperative. "We're grateful to partner with Governor Green and the state Department of Human Services to ensure these valuable financial resources reach those who need them the most," Andrade told the Governor's Office. MEO’s assistance is also noted, with CEO Debbie Cabebe stating their readiness to support through the administration of the relief program.
To apply for the program or obtain more information, individuals are directed to visit the websites or contact the offices of Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi or Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. These organizations have set up phone lines and online applications to assist. For further support, Vibrant Hawai‘i is also offering resources to those impacted by the federal shutdown. Additional details and a video statement from the DHS Deputy Director Joseph Campos are available on the Governor's website.
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