HCAP Weekly January 14, 2019

Furloughed Worker Obtains LIHEAP Assistance
The Kupuna Independent Life Series Returns in January
Kumuhonua Resident Obtains Permanent Housing
SCSEP Participant Receives a Job Offer
Aiea I Head Start Children Plant and Harvest Cucumbers


Furloughed Worker Obtains LIHEAP Assistance

Photo of LIHEAP logo

Like the hundreds of thousands of federal workers across the country, Shella has been out of work since December 22nd, when the partial government shutdown began. A single mom with three young children, Shella had quickly run out of savings and was struggling to pay her bills.

Shella recently received an imminent disconnection notice bill from HECO, notifying her that her electric service would soon be shut off due to non-payment. HECO referred Shella to HCAP. Within a day, she made an appointment at HCAP’s Central District Service Center. The staff at Central District Service Center helped Shella apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Through LIHEAP’s Emergency Crisis Intervention (ECI) credit, their electricity was no longer at risk of being shut off.

Shella was impressed with HCAP’s ability to quickly work with HECO to prevent termination of their electric service. The LIHEAP program was able to assist Shella’s with the full balance requested and bring her electric account up to date.

Shella was overcome with emotions and grateful that HCAP was able to help her and her family. Before the partial government shutdown began, Shella was living paycheck to paycheck: even though she barely made ends meet, she never had to reach out for help. HCAP is glad to help working Americans like Shella, who are vulnerable to sudden situations like the partial government shutdown.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides heating and/or cooling assistance to needy Hawaii households by assisting with one-time payments towards their utility bill (electric or gas) in two ways:

• Energy Crisis Intervention (ECI) program – Household is in crisis, the electric or gas service has been disconnected or will be terminated as the household has been notified via a disconnect notice from the utility company.
• Energy Credit (EC) program – Low income households who are not in crisis but need assistance with the heating and cooling of their residence with bill payment. *PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY CLOSED, WILL REOPEN IN JUNE 2019*

During the period of October 2018-December 2018, HCAP District Service Centers helped a total of 120 households avoid termination of their utility service, with $59,701.53 in utility bill payments made to HECO and Hawaii Gas.

Please visit our website to obtain additional information or and your nearest District Service Center to schedule an interview appointment.


The Kupuna Independent Life Series Returns in January

Kupuna_x640

HCAP’s Kupuna Independent Life Series, which assists seniors 55 and older to “age in place” through health and wellness workshops, healthy breakfast and lunch, and support groups, will return to two locations on Oahu: Leeward and Windward. The thirteen-week series is a multi-generational effort to provide seniors, age 55 and older, with health education, support for living productive independent lives, and proactive civic engagement.

The time and locations for Spring 2019 are as follows:

HCAP Leeward District Service Center
85-555 Farrington Highway
Waianae, HI 96792
Thursdays from 8:00am – 1:30pm
January 24, 2019 to April 18, 2019
Contact Number: 696-4261

HCAP Windward District Service Center
Hau’ula Civic Center
54-010 Kukuna Road
Hau’ula, HI 96717
Wednesdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm
January 30, 2019 to April 24, 2019
Contact Number: 239-5754


Kumuhonua Resident Obtains Permanent Housing

Photo of Alfredo Kumuhonua

In February 2017, Alfredo entered the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center. The move was initially hard for Alfredo, as he had been staying in the Downtown area for a while. But Alfredo gave the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center a chance, and became more at ease with each passing day.

Alfredo made the most of his stay at Kumuhonua. He received meals from Meals on Wheels and maintained his daily check-ups with Ke Ola Mamo. He also continued to receive Social Security Disability Income payments.

With the help of the Housing Specialist at Kumuhonua, Alfredo obtained permanent housing at Laiola Elderly Housing in Wahiawa. Earlier this month, he exited Kumuhonua and moved into his new home.


SCSEP Participant Receives a Job Offer

Photo of George SCSEP

George was living on the streets and eventually moved into the Next Step Shelter in Kakaako. While at the shelter, Next Step was able to relocate him to the Na Kolea Transitional Housing. The staff at Na Kolea then referred him to HCAP’s Senior Community Services Employment Program (SCSEP) so he could obtain part-time subsidized employment. In November 2018, George was placed at the Institute for Human Services (IHS) as a SCSEP Groundskeeper Trainee.

His supervisor Sheldon liked George’s work ethic and performance so much that Sheldon encouraged George to apply for job openings at IHS. SCSEP staff have just received news that George has gotten a job offer from IHS. They are happy for George, and proud to have played a part in his road to self-sufficiency.


Aiea I Head Start Children Plant and Harvest Cucumbers

Photo of Aiea I Head Start

The children of Aiea I Head Start have been studying about plants. Before going on winter vacation, they planted cucumbers in their planter boxes. When they came back to school after vacation, the children noticed that huge cucumbers had grown in their planter boxes. The teaching staff assisted the children with the harvest, and helped them wash, peel, and slice the cucumbers. After preparing the cucumbers, the teaching staff gave each child a slice to taste. The children were really proud of their hard work.