Residents displaced by kona low storms can connect with housing, recovery support via Aloha United Way 211

Aloha United Way 211 statewide helpline is assisting Hawaiʻi residents connect with temporary housing and recovery support if they were displaced because of impacts from the severe kona low storms in March.

Through a partnership with the state and Airbnb, as well as the state contracting with local hotels, the 211 hotline is helping eligible households access temporary housing assistance.

Residents seeking assistance should call 2-1-1 and complete the Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency damage assessment and shelter request form at the agency’s website.

Those who need help with the process can also text 877-275-6569 or chat live with an Aloha United Way specialist online.

“As residents recover from recent kona low storms, Aloha United Way is here to connect people with the services and support they need,” said Aloha United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Michelle Bartell in a release about the recovery assistance. “We know recovery is not immediate — many families are still facing real challenges. By calling 2-1-1, people can access support today and ongoing resources to help them rebuild and move forward.”

Aloha United Way 211 provides free, confidential information and referrals throughout all counties.

Trained specialists assess each caller’s needs and connect them with available resources, including temporary housing assistance and recovery services tailored to their situation.

Eligible households might be referred to Airbnb for free, short-term emergency housing through local short-term rental hosts.

Airbnb then grants credits to impacted individuals and families to book free stays through the platform, leveraging its local network of hosts to quickly connect people in need with places to stay, often close to their workplaces, schools and community support networks.

All stays are free for guests and fully funded by Airbnb and generous donors.

For longer-term recovery, Aloha United Way 211 can also connect callers to disaster case management for ongoing, one-on-one support.

Services are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with support in more than 180 languages.

Find additional information at the Aloha United Way website.