HCAP Weekly April 27, 2020

HCAP COVID-19 Update
Malama Meals Delivers Much Needed Food Support Directly to Kumuhonua Residents
Ho’omau Kūpuna Employment Program Continues to Support Program Participants During COVID-19 Shutdown
HCAP Head Start Students Stay Busy with Home Learning Activities

HCAP COVID-19 Update

As the COVID-19 pandemic situation continues to evolve in Hawaii, nationally, and globally, the Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (HCAP) will continue to make proactive decisions that are based on the well-being and safety of our clients, employees, and communities we serve.

Over the last month, National, State, and Local government have extended social distancing and coronavirus mitigation timeframes and guidelines.  As such, HCAP has made some additional changes in response to the guidance and directives from the government and our funding partners.

Earlier this month, the Hawaii State Department of Education announced the continuation of enrichment and distance learning through May 28, 2020, the last day of the 2019-20 school year.  Because the school facilities will be closed to students, HCAP’s Head Start & Early Head Start program and Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School program will continue operations remotely for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year.

HCAP understands the vital role early education plays in the overall well-being of children, families, and communities.  However, our priority as an agency has always been the health and safety of everyone involved in our programs, which is why we have decided to keep our classrooms and home-based services closed for the remainder of the school year.  Please be assured that HCAP staff will continue to provide educational activities, resources, and support to all of the students and their families we serve.

All other HCAP offices and facilities will remain closed to the general public until further notice.  Reopening will be subject to community conditions and status of the COVID-19 situation.

While all HCAP offices, classrooms and facilities will be closed to the public, HCAP will continue to provide services remotely to the best of our ability.  Essential staff, as determined by HCAP management, will coordinate work with non-essential staff in order to continue delivery of services to all of the individuals and families that we serve, who happen to be the most in need during these challenging times.

A brief summary of affected programs and services is as follows:

HCAP Head Start and Early Head Start – all classrooms and home-based services for children and their families will be suspended through May 28, the last day of the 2019-20 school year.  Head Start and Early Head Start staff will continue to provide family education and support services remotely.

Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program – all in-person classroom activities will be suspended through May 28, the last day of the 2019-20 school year.  Remote instruction will be offered during this time.

District Service Centers – will continue delivery of programs and services (Weatherization Assistance Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Employment Core Services, case management) remotely.

Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center – will remain open.

Ho`omau Kupuna Employment Program – will continue delivery of services remotely.

Income Tax Services/ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program – all income tax services have been suspended until further notice.

Ohana Produce Food Distribution – all food distribution activities have been suspended until further notice.  Please contact the District Service Center number below for possible alternate services.

Kupuna Independent Life Series – the Spring 2020 series has been suspended until further notice.

Questions or immediate concerns can be directed to the following contact numbers:

Head Start:  808-847-2400

District Service Centers:  808-447-5422

Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center:  808-682-5494

Corporate Office:  808-447-5453

Malama Meals Delivers Much Needed Food Support Directly to Kumuhonua Residents

During the height of the Covid-19 epidemic, Tamura’s Superette, the only grocery store within a one mile radius of the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, announced the closing of their Kalaeloa location.  The next closest grocery store for Kumuhonua residents is a 1.8 mile walk, or a bus ride for those who can afford it. Concerned for residents, Kumuhonua staff contacted Partners In Care (PIC) about available meals programs and were connected with the Malama Meals COVID-19 Community Care Meal Program. Kumuhonua applied for the program and was approved immediately. Kumuhonua residents are now receiving hot meals twice a week, beginning on April 13^th, 2020. We would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the Malama Meals Program that is essential during these uncertain times.

Ho’omau Kūpuna Employment Program Continues to Support Program Participants During COVID-19 Shutdown

The COVID-19 epidemic has taught us a lot about the community coming together to care for our Kūpuna. As such, the Ho`omau Kūpuna Employment Program team embodies the program’s name by caring for and sharing knowledge with their participants. Employment counselors have actively made contact with participants on a weekly basis. This week, a participant shared about her inability to obtain cleaning supplies for her household.  She was connected with the Kupuna Needs Project by her employment counselor and was able to receive much needed cleaning supplies to keep her home germ-free.

HCAP Head Start Students Stay Busy with Home Learning Activities

Following the City & County and state guidelines to stay at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, all HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start families have been provided with activity packets through the mail and each child’s teacher keeps in close contact through telephone calls and/or email.

Xaesha from Makaha II Head Start made homemade playdough during the stay at home order.

Rhyis from Kalihi Kai practiced his writing skills by tracing letters using watercolors and created his own tree complete with animals. 

Nahenahe from Keiki Country I strengthened her small motor skills and made predictions during a scooping activity. Nahenahe has been keeping a journal of her daily activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.