HUD Housing Counseling – Hawaii

Housing & Financial · Hawaii · Free

Free HUD-approved housing counseling for renters and buyers across Hawaii, including foreclosure prevention, default budgeting, and pre-purchase education. Call the national HUD line to locate an approved counseling agency near your island. Fathers should gather photo ID, recent pay stubs, tax returns, mortgage or lease paperwork, and a list of monthly expenses before the first counseling session.

Contact & Details

Phone: 800-569-4287

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

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About Housing & Financial for Fathers

Housing and financial assistance for fathers comes through a combination of federal programs (HUD, SNAP, TANF, LIHEAP) and state/local efforts. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing are administered by local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) with long waitlists in most markets. Emergency shelter and rapid rehousing are funded through the federal Continuum of Care program — every region has a Coordinated Entry system that assesses and places homeless adults and families. Rental assistance, utility assistance (LIHEAP), and one-time emergency funds are available through community action agencies and 211 referral lines. Fathers with children in their custody may qualify for Section 8 family priority and TANF, though state rules vary. This directory covers PHAs, shelter systems, 211 call lines, and community action agencies that serve single dads.

Housing & Financial in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

More Housing & Financial in Hawaii

  • Hawaii Housing Finance & Development Corp — State agency that finances affordable housing, administers rental assistance, and helps qualifying residents move toward homeownership. Base
  • Hawaii Public Housing Authority — Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher administration statewide from the N School Street headquarters in Honolulu. Waitlists op
  • Habitat for Humanity – Honolulu — Affordable homeownership for qualifying Oahu families through sweat-equity builds and no-profit mortgages. Offices are on Union Mall in down
  • Maui County Housing Division — Affordable housing programs for Maui County residents including rental assistance and ownership opportunities through the county government
  • Hawaii Island Community Development Corp — Affordable housing development and programs for Big Island families from the Aupuni Street office in Hilo. Services include rental units, ho
  • Kauai County Housing Agency — Affordable housing and rental assistance for Kauai residents administered from the Pi'ikoi Building in Lihue. Programs include Section 8, co

Housing & Financial — Common Questions

How long is the waitlist for Section 8?
Varies wildly — from a few months in some markets to 5+ years in hot metros (LA, NYC, DC). Apply to multiple Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) in your area. Some PHAs give preference to families with children, veterans, or homeless applicants.
What does 211 do?
211 is a free nationwide referral service operated by United Way and partners. Call or text 211 to reach a live specialist who connects you to local help with rent, utilities, food, childcare, employment, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas.
Can single dads get TANF?
Yes. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) is gender-neutral — any qualifying parent or caretaker with a dependent child in the home can apply. Benefit amounts and time limits vary by state. Work requirements apply after a brief grace period.
What's LIHEAP?
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps low-income households pay heating and cooling bills. Apply through your state's LIHEAP office. Both annual assistance and emergency crisis payments are available. Don't wait until disconnection — apply at the start of the heating season.