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The State of Hawaii provides a range of supportive housing options for diverse populations, including the low-income, seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, and various other vulnerable groups. These programs are delivered through state agencies, coordinated with federal initiatives, local organizations, and non-profits. Below are some of the essential supportive housing programs available in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), a state agency, oversees the Public Housing Program. This program provides low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities access to affordable rental housing. The tenants typically pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent.
Another significant initiative coordinated by the HPHA is the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. This federal government program actively helps low-income individuals and families to afford safe rental housing. Here, public housing agencies provide vouchers to eligible families, which helps them cover the cost difference between 30% of their adjusted income and their rent.
The Shelter Plus Care Program supports stable housing for hard-to-reach homeless populations with disabilities, primarily those who have serious mental illness, chronic substance abuse problems, and HIV/AIDS. Federal subsidies provided to the program facilitate rental assistance in coordination with supportive services funded from sources outside the program.
The State of Hawaii's Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the Rental Assistance Program. This program, also known as the Shelter Assistance program, provides grants to agencies, allowing them to offer time-limited rental subsidies, eviction prevention, and other related services to vulnerable residents.
The Continuum of Care (CoC) Program – a federal initiative implemented locally – focuses on aiding individuals and families experiencing homelessness. It includes transitional and permanent supportive housing projects and supportive services to prevent the recurrence of homelessness.
For the elderly and individuals with disabilities who need help with daily living activities but want to maintain their independence, Hawaii offers several Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs). These ALFs provide 24-hour support services in a homelike setting. The cost of residence in these facilities varies significantly, but several facilities accept Medicaid, which aids in covering the cost of these services, making ALFs more accessible to lower-income individuals.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that assists in building and repairing homes for individuals and families who cannot afford to do so themselves. With multiple branches throughout the islands of Hawaii, the organization provides a path to home ownership for low-income families.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. SSVF is catered towards veterans and their families who need help preventing imminent homelessness or need assistance with maintaining their current housing status. This program provides direct grants for supportive services to eligible individuals and families.
The State of Hawaii's supportive housing options showcase an extensive network of assistance covering federal, state, non-profit, and public services. Each of these initiatives demonstrates the state's commitment to providing affordable, supportive housing opportunities for all its residents, regardless of their circumstances.