Rental Assistance for Single Moms in Honolulu
Raising a child alone is hard enough, and doing it in one of the most expensive states of the union is even tougher. If you are working but do not earn enough money to get by on, you might actually qualify for rental assistance. Aid for single moms is available in Honolulu.
Hawaii provides services under the federal Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program. While there are several target areas of the program, perhaps the most important focus is on single mothers that are in need of safe yet affordable housing for their young families.
Generally speaking, your total household income cannot be greater than 80% of the area median income in order to qualify. Additionally, once you do qualify, your actual benefit amount may be greater if you have a large family, since an apartment with multiple bedrooms would be a likely need.
To facilitate your move into your own place, the Honolulu Department of Community Services is prepared to provide financial support so that you can afford to raise your family in the proper environment. The intent is to get you over the hump so that you can begin to save money so that you can meet all of your monthly obligations.
If you are a single mom and would like to apply for rental assistance, you may contact one of the following partners of the City and County of Honolulu:
- Catholic Charities, 808-521-4357
- Helping Hands Hawaii, 808-536-7234
- The Institute for Human Services, 808-447-2863
- Kalihi-Palama Health Center, 808-791-4545
- Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, 808-697-3300 Ext. 3594
The primary objective is to get you out of transitional housing or shelters. This can be a great opportunity, especially if you are having problems with your current landlord over back rent. The program can help you move your family into your own apartment and provide a fresh start.
If you are having legal problems related to your old apartment, then you can still get free legal assistance through the following partners:
- Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, 808-536-4302
- Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii, 808-528-7046
You will be happy to know that assistance does not end with just rent. You may get help with a security deposit for the apartment and on your electricity. They really want you to make it on your own, and they understand that sometimes you just need a little bit of help to do it.
It is not all great news though. Demand for these great benefits is more than what funding allows. While your status as a single mother puts you at the front of the line, understand that there is normally a waiting list for benefits. Therefore, you are strongly encouraged to file your application as soon as possible to allow for enough time to meet with a case manager and confirm that you are a good fit for the program.
Since Honolulu has higher rental rates than other locales, it can sometimes mean that you need to accept the assistance that is earmarked to you. Since this is where your job is, it must also be where your home is. File for rental assistance so that you can raise your family properly.