COVID-19 Resources
January 2023: This webpage has been archived and will no longer be updated.
Where can I find information about COVID-19 testing and vaccination?
On Oahu, free COVID-19 testing and vaccination for homeless individuals is available through Project Vision Hawaii. To request testing through Project Vision, please call the Executive Director Darrah Kauhane at 808-201-3937 or contact Partners in Care at 808-380-9444.
You may also visit the Department of Health Hawaii COVID-19 website for information, including a Test Site Finder to search for COVID-19 testing sites by island. You may also find information about free community-based testing sites available through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services through CVS/Longs Drugs, Health Mart, or Walgreens. Please be aware that requirements for testing may vary by provider.
The Department of Health COVID-19 website also includes a link to the CDC Vaccine Finder to locate a pharmacy or retail location in your neighborhood. The site also includes Frequently Asked Questions and Answers from Hawaii Doctors regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. If you are in need of in-home vaccination, call 808-586-8332 or 833-711-0645, Monday to Friday between 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for help scheduling an appointment. Translators are available to be brought on the line to assist in your language needs.
Can I get vaccinated against COVID-19 if I am experiencing homelessness and do not have a valid government issued photo ID card?
Yes. The Hawaii Department of Health works in partnership with organizations, such as Project Vision Hawaii or the University of Hawaii HOME Project, to provide COVID-19 vaccinations for homeless individuals who are unable to provide proof of government-issued photo identification. For more information, individuals may contact Project Vision Hawaii directly at 808-201-3937 or visit https://hawaiicovid19.com. A recent Kokua Line article in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser provides more information.
What if I lost my COVID-19 vaccination card?
The Department of Health COVID-19 website includes the Process to Request a Replacement Vaccination Card for individuals vaccinated in Hawaii.
What should I know about COVID-19 and the new Delta Variant or Omicron Variant?
The CDC recently released new guidance on the Delta Variant: What We Know About the Science. In addition, there is also new guidance regarding Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know. The CDC is recommending that everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated.
Effective December 27, 2021, the CDC recently revised its guidance regarding timeframes for isolation and quarantine.
Where can I see the latest guidance from the CDC related to COVID-19 for Homeless Service Providers and Unsheltered Homelessness?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted updated guidance for Homeless Service Providers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and Guidance on People Experiencing Unsheltered Homelessness. The CDC has also produced a COVID-19 Infection Control Inventory and Planning (ICIP) Tool for Homeless Service Providers and a Checklist for Homeless Service Providers During Community Re-Opening.
UPDATE: Effective January 4, 2021, the CDC recently revised its guidance regarding high-risk congregate settings, such as homeless emergency shelters. In addition, CDC guidance specifically for homeless populations was also revised December 7, 2021.
The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness also recently provided new guidance on The Delta Variant: 5 Ways Communities Can Protect People Experiencing Homelessness. This new guidance emphasizes: (1) Encouraging and supporting vaccinations; (2) Strengthening routine testing, especially in congregate facilities; (3) Continuing to use COVID-specific non-congregate shelter for isolation and quarantine; (4) Maintaining or re-instituting COVID-19 mitigation protocols; and (5) Continuing to rehouse as many people as possible. The USICH also emphasizes that while it is important to emphasize vaccination, being fully vaccinated should not be treated as a prerequisite to receive shelter, housing, or services.
In addition, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers weekly Office Hours for COVID-19 Planning and Response for Homeless Assistance Providers every Friday at 2:30 p.m. EDT (8:30 a.m. HST). Although participants do not need to register in advance for Office Hours, it is strongly recommended that you join the Office Hours at least 15 minutes prior to the start time. You may also view the recordings and slides from previous HUD Office Hours.
Are there resources available to help households facing behavioral health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Yes. The Hawaii Department of Health is administering the Ku Makani program through the Hawaii CARES line to listen, provide emotional support, create effective coping strategies, and connect individuals to local resources. The services are free, anonymous, and without judgment. For more information, call 1-800-753-6879 and press 3 to ask for Ku Makani during weekdays from 4:00-9:00 p.m. HST and on weekends between 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. HST.
Are there resources available for households who are facing adverse economic impacts due to COVID-19 and falling behind on rent?
Yes. The four counties are administering Emergency Rental Assistance funds provided by the U.S. Treasury to assist households who are behind on or unable to pay rent due to the pandemic. In addition, free mediation services may also be available, as well as free legal assistance through organizations such as the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. For more information, please visit the Eviction Moratorium Resources section of our website.
Are there other helpful webinars that provide information regarding COVID-19 guidance and response in Hawaii?
Please view the following past webinars that share helpful information regarding the pandemic response in Hawaii:
- GCH October 25, 2021 Webinar regarding updates on Oahu Isolation and Quarantine Facilities (Featuring Aloha United Way)
- GCH August 23, 2021 Webinar regarding Med-QUEST Division updates on COVID-19 (Featuring Dr. Curtis Toma from DHS Med-QUEST Division)
- GCH March 22, 2021 Webinar regarding Testing and Vaccination Efforts on Oahu and Kauai (Featuring Partners in Care and Malama Pono Health Services)
- GCH January 25, 2021 Webinar regarding Testing and Vaccination Efforts on Oahu and County Updates (Featuring Project Vision Hawaii, City & County of Honolulu Office of Housing & Homelessness, County of Maui Department of Housing & Human Concerns, County of Kauai Housing Agency, County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development, Partners in Care, and Bridging the Gap)
- BHHSURG December 21, 2020 Webinar regarding COVID-19 Vaccination Updates (Featuring Partners in Care and DHS Med-QUEST Division)
- BHHSURG December 7, 2020 Webinar regarding DOE COVID-19 Response and COVID-19 Vaccination Updates (Featuring Hawaii Department of Education and DHS Med-QUEST Division)
- COVID-19: Finding Opportunities in Crisis – November 19, 2020 (Featuring DOH Behavioral Health Administration)
- A National Perspective: Lessons Learned from the Field in Addressing COVID-19 and Homelessness – November 18, 2020 (Featuring USICH and CDC)
- BHHSURG October 26, 2020 Webinar regarding HPHA and COVID-19 Updates (Featuring Hawaii Public Housing Authority and DHS Med-QUEST Division)
- BHHSURG September 28, 2020 Webinar regarding COVID-19 Response for Youth Service Providers (Featuring Bobby Benson Center and RYSE Hawaii)
- BHHSURG September 8, 2020 Webinar regarding COVID-19 PPE Efforts and Economic Impact Payments (Featuring Rep. Nadine Nakamura, Rep. Linda Ichiyama, Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the Interfaith Alliance of Hawaii)
- BHHSURG August 31, 2020 Webinar regarding Emergency Shelter Experience with COVID-19 (Featuring Project Vision Hawaii, Institute for Human Services, and DOH Behavioral Health Administration)
- BHHSURG August 17, 2020 Webinar on Keiki COVID-19 Update and COVID Words of Wisdom (Featuring Dr. Leo Pascua and DHS Med-QUEST Division)
What are Other Helpful Resources?
- CDC Training for Homeless Shelter Workers (Updated May 2021)
- Delta Variant Update: Hawaii Data from Dr. Curtis Toma, Department of Human Services, Med-QUEST Division Medical Director (August 7, 2021)
- Aloha United Way 2021 COVID-19 Assistance Programs, including a Kupuna Call Center for those 65 and older to speak with a trained specialist who can assist him/her/them with accessing COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
- Hawaii Department of Human Services Resources for Individauls and Families Amid COVID-19, including information regarding Hawaii Food Pantries and Food Assistance Programs.
- Hawaii Department of Education Oahu Resource Map and Neighbor Island Resource Map for Homeless Children and Youth.
- University of Hawaii Office of Public Health Studies COVID-19 Resource Guide to help UH students and faculty to stay connected and find needed support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please click on any of the photos below to see efforts to address COVID-19 in the community in action.