HCAP WEEKLY April 25, 2022

Kūpuna Apply for Weatherization Assistance at Intake Event in Pearl City

On April 22, 27 residents at Hale Mohalu Senior Apartments in Pearl City were able to apply for HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) at an on-site intake event. HCAP staff shared a presentation about the program, and assisted eligible residents with the application process. The event had a great turnout, and staff are planning to offer another at Hale Mohalu in the near future.

“The Weatherization Assistance Program helps seniors apply for services to lower their energy costs,” WAP Coordinator Georgette Aki shared. The program offers free home energy audits, energy-saving education, and a selection of energy-efficient measures to eligible households. With the high cost of utilities in Hawaiʻi, weatherization services can ease the burden on low-income individuals and families. Kūpuna are encouraged to apply.

Single Mother Overcomes Pandemic Hardships with Wraparound HCAP Services

Lizeth came to HCAP’s Central District Service Center when the COVID-19 pandemic began, after losing her job at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel. Unemployment benefits were not enough for Lizeth to support her twin daughters and elderly mother, and she began to fall behind on her mortgage and utility payments. Lizeth heard about HCAP’s CARES Act-funded programs through her local union representative, and decided to reach out to the Central District Service Center for help. 

Lizeth was surprised to learn that HCAP could assist with her past-due mortgage payments and water bills through the Hale Kākou program. Central District Service Center staff also helped Lizeth pay off her past-due electric bills by applying for an Energy Crisis Intervention through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Lizeth enrolled in the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program to find a new job, and has now been employed at the Cheesecake Factory for over a year. 

Lizeth was also able to apply for the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) to help her family lower the cost of their utilities. She recently participated in a home energy audit, and had her home fitted with a low-flow shower head, low-faucet aerators, smart power strips, and LED lights. She also received a new hybrid water heater. 

Lizeth is grateful to have discovered HCAP’s programs and services during the pandemic. She is thankful to Katy, Central District Service Center Manager, and Georgette, Weatherization Assistance Program Coordinator, for all of the help she has received.

HCAP Staff Connect with Families at Waiʻanae Coast Keiki Spring Fest

Staff from HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center, Head Start & Early Head Start, and the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School program teamed up to share information on HCAP programs at the 16th annual Wai‘anae Coast Keiki Spring Fest. Hā Initiative staff passed out more than 250 recruitment bags, including program applications and STEM activity kits. The drive-through event, held on April 23 at Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center in Māʻili, provided keiki and their parents with educational, developmental, and health service resources in their community.

Kumuhonua Resident Finds Work with Support from HCAP Programs

Derek, a resident of HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, recently began a new job as a landscaper after receiving support from Kumuhonua staff and the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program. In February, after struggling to find employment, Derek enrolled in Nā Lima Hana and was assisted with revising his resume. Derek also decided to return to classes with Hawaii Literacy, which he had enrolled in before coming to Kumuhonua, after receiving encouragement from staff.

By attending classes and improving his resume, Derek became more eager to find work, and built up the confidence to apply for more positions. With consistent support from Kumuhonua staff and the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services program, Derek is now employed and on the path to self-sufficiency.