Grant Funding Available for Homelessness and Housing Services
Grant Funding Available for Homelessness and Housing Services
The County of Hawaiʻi, through its Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD), has released a Request for Grant Applications for the Homelessness and Housing Fund (HHF), inviting qualified nonprofits to apply for a share of the grant funding.
The HHF supports programs and projects that address homeless prevention, diversion, and stabilization on Hawaiʻi Island and align with the County’s Strategic Roadmap. County funds are intended to complement and extend the reach of existing Federal and State resources.
“This initiative is a strategic investment in our residents and our communities,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By funding programs that move individuals and families from crisis to stability, we are building the foundation for a healthier, more resilient Hawaiʻi Island.”
This year’s Request for Grant Applications introduces a more targeted funding structure to address specific service gaps. Eligible proposals will fall within one of four focus areas, each with defined funding allocation ranges:
• Outreach: 10% to 20%.
• Shelter & Short-Term Housing: Up to 15%.
• Long-Term Housing: 30% to 45%.
• Support Programs: 35% to 55%.
Applications will be scored within each category, and awards will not exceed the assigned percentages.
“This funding cycle sharpens our focus on what works — long-term housing, stabilization services, and safe shelter options,” said Kehaulani Costa, County Housing Administrator. “By aligning resources with community needs, we’re creating pathways out of homelessness and promoting housing stability across Hawaiʻi Island.”
In addition to the Request for Grant Applications process, OHCD will also use a portion of the HHF to support several critical, island-wide initiatives that respond to urgent community needs. These include but are not limited to:
• Safe Overnight Sleeping.
• Emergency Shelters.
• Permanent Housing with Supports.
The 2025-26 Request for Grant Applications builds on the success of the previous year’s initiative, which awarded $10.5 million to 15 projects undertaken by nine non-profits working to ensure homelessness is rare, brief and non-recurring on Hawaiʻi Island.
The Request for Grant Applications and related documentation can be accessed on the OHCD website at https://www.housing.hawaiicounty.gov/grants-funding/homelessness-and-housing-fund.
Applications must be submitted electronically using the Neighborly Application Portal by 4 p.m. Aug. 29. Please note that incomplete applications will be disqualified.
To assist prospective applicants, OHCD will host virtual information sessions at 1 p.m. July 29 and 10 a.m. Aug. 4. Each session will present the same content.
To register for the July 29, session, visit: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/x1ddlJKxRbeJEDrc9lmd_w.
To register for the Aug. 4 session, visit: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/fchBI13cS3aNtMGo_jUAjw.
About the Homelessness and Housing Fund
The Homelessness and Housing Fund was established in 2022 through Ordinance 22-26, which allocates for five years 75% of Residential Tier Two property tax revenues annually to address homelessness and housing in Hawai’i County. The fund is set to expire in 2027.
For more details about the HHF or to join the OHCD mailing list for future updates, contact ohcdengagement@hawaiicounty.gov.
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