Big Island, Hawaiʻi – 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). This initiative invites qualified nonprofit organizations to apply for a share of the grant funding to support programs and projects that address homeless prevention, diversion, and stabilization on Hawaiʻi Island. These efforts must align with the County’s Strategic Roadmap, with county funds 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.”
For the Fiscal Year 2025-2026, this Request for Grant Applications introduces a more targeted funding structure designed 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% of funds
- Shelter & Short-Term Housing: Up to 15% of funds
- Long-Term Housing: 30% to 45% of funds
- Support Programs: 35% to 55% of funds
Applications will be scored within each category, and awards will not exceed the assigned percentages, ensuring a focused allocation of resources.
“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 this competitive grant process, OHCD will utilize a portion of the HHF to support several critical, island-wide initiatives responding to urgent community needs. These include, but are not limited to, Safe Overnight Sleeping, Emergency Shelters, and 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. These efforts are part of the larger goal to ensure homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring on Hawaiʻi Island.
Application Process and Information Sessions: 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. on August 29, 2025. Incomplete applications will be disqualified.
To assist prospective applicants, OHCD will host virtual information sessions. Both sessions will present the same content:
- Session 1: 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 (Register at: https://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/x1ddlJKxRbeJEDrc9lmd_w)
- Session 2: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2025 (Register at: 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. This ordinance allocates 75% of Residential Tier Two property tax revenues annually for five years to address homelessness and housing in Hawaiʻi County. The fund is currently 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.