If you needed help today, would you know where to turn?
When we think about emergency preparedness, we often think about having flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and an emergency kit ready to grab, all of which are super important. But being prepared also looks like knowing where to go, who to call, and what resources are available when life doesn’t go according to plan. Having those connections can make a big difference.
Here at Neighborhood Place of Puna, our goal is to help families and communities build strong foundations through healthy relationships and access to support. That includes helping people connect with resources they can use before, during, and after challenging situations.
Preparedness Starts With Knowing Your Resources
A job change, unexpected expense, housing issue, family crisis, or emergency can quickly change what someone needs from one day to the next.
That’s why knowing where to find help ahead of time matters. You don’t always know when your family might need extra support. But knowing what’s available in your community can make it a little easier to take that first step when you do.
Neighborhood Place of Puna provides free, confidential, strength-based support for families and youth throughout East Hawaiʻi. Sometimes that means helping with an immediate need, and other times it means helping someone figure out their next step and connecting them with another organization or resource.
Need Food, Diapers, or Basic Necessities?
Our Mobile Family Resource Center (MFRC) brings resources directly into the community. The MFRC visits neighborhoods and community hubs throughout East Hawaiʻi, making it easier for families with minor children to access support close to home.
Families can receive food, diapers, clothing, resource navigation, housing support, case management, and other community connections.
Not Sure Where to Start?
You don’t have to know exactly which program, agency, or resource will solve the problem before you reach out. Our Neighborhood Place Resource Centers in Hilo and Keaʻau provide welcoming places where families and individuals can connect with resources and support. Our team can help you talk through what’s going on, identify possible options, and connect you with the next step.
A Preparedness Network for Young People
The Puna ʻŌpio Hub provides a welcoming space for youth and young adults ages 14–25 to connect with resources, build skills, and work toward their goals. That can include support with employment, education, scholarships, FAFSA, life skills, leadership, and career pathways. Having a place to go and people to turn to can be an important part of building stability and confidence for the future.
What if a Family is Experiencing Homelessness or Housing Instability?
For families with minor children experiencing housing instability, our Family & Youth Outreach Program connects with families and unaccompanied youth in the community and helps them navigate available resources.
For families who need temporary emergency shelter, Hale ʻIki Family Assessment Center provides a safe place to stay while families work toward more permanent housing solutions.
Housing stability is an important part of preparedness. When a family has a safe place to stay and knows where to find support, they have a stronger foundation for navigating whatever comes next. We’re here to help.
Know Your Resources Before You Need Them
One of the most useful things you can do during National Preparedness Month is learn what’s available in your own community.
Our 2026 Resource Directory is a great place to start. It brings together resources available throughout Hawaiʻi Island so you can familiarize yourself with what’s out there before you need it. Take a few minutes to save the contact information for organizations that can help you. If you don’t know where to start, that’s okay, too. You don’t have to have everything figured out before reaching out to us.
We’re here to help families and youth find their next step, whether that’s connecting with an NPP program or helping you find another resource in the community.
Need Kōkua?
Neighborhood Place of Puna offers free, confidential, strength-based services for families and youth in East Hawaiʻi. Call or text 808-501-1413 to connect with a Community Resource Navigator, or visit this page to learn more.