Eight nonprofit groups dedicated to fighting homelessness have received checks totaling more than $4 million in federal stimulus money through the city.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann, in distributing the checks, said the money will help not just those who are now homeless, but also provide case management and housing referral services that will help prevent homelessness.

Those receiving the funds are: Catholic Charities Ha-wai'i ($973,432), Helping Hands Hawai'i ($500,000), the Institute for Human Services ($1.1 million), the Kalihi-Palama Health Center ($500,000), the Waikiki Health Center ($180,000), the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center ($219,840), the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii ($300,000) and Volunteer Legal Services Hawai'i ($100,000).

The money being administered by the city was made available as awards through the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, which are part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009.

Additionally, three nonprofits focused on fighting domestic violence received a total of $250,000 in federal funds.

They are: the Domestic Violence Action Center ($200,000); the Hawaii Family Law Clinic, also known as Ala Kuola, ($25,000); and the Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter ($25,000).