Hawai'i is getting $4 million in federal stimulus money to help fight homelessness.

The cash is Hawai'i's share of $1.2 million from the Recovery Act handed out yesterday to more than 500 cities, counties and communities across the country.

U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said it will help with rent and utility payments for those suffering through the nation's poor economy.

The money will be distributed under a homelessness prevention program designed to help millions of jobless Americans.

The money will be available through the Housing and Urban Development Department's new Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program.