HCAP WEEKLY August 2, 2021

HCAP Programs Provide Stability, Inspiration for Veteran Who Faced Homelessness

After retiring from twenty years of military service, Nani’s personal life hit a low, leaving her depressed, financially unstable, and houseless. With nowhere to go, Nani returned home to Hawaiʻi with what little she had left.

It was difficult to make ends meet on a limited military pension and disability benefits, and by October 2014, Nani faced eviction from her Waipahu apartment. She was able to stay with family temporarily, but began searching for other housing options. Nani eventually reached out to an aunt who recommended HCAP’s Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center in Kapolei. 

Nani’s aunt had been housed at Kumuhonua previously, and shared the ways she benefited from the services offered to residents. Living at Kumuhonua allowed Nani’s aunt to secure permanent housing, live independently, and sustain the personal gains she had made during her time there. 

In February 2015, Nani was offered a unit at Kumuhonua and a chance at a fresh start. She met with a Case Manager twice each month to work on her goals, and by May, Nani was employed as a Resident Aide at Kumuhonua. She was breaking old habits, building confidence, and saving money. 

Using the budgeting techniques she learned at Kumuhonua, Nani worked to achieve financial stability and was able to secure permanent housing in 2017. She returned to Kumuhonua as a part-time maintenance worker in December 2017, and in 2020 was promoted to Maintenance Specialist. In this position, Nani assists with administrative tasks as well as building repairs and maintenance, while giving back to the organization that helped her in a time of need. 

“Honolulu Community Action Program has given me the opportunity and motivation to help other people in need and give back to the community,” Nani said, “I don’t do this job for the pay, but for the love of helping others.”

To learn more about Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, Click Here.

HCAP Is Hiring!

This week, HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program staff spent the day at Dole Cannery for a job fair hosted by the American Job Center. The event offered opportunities for unemployed individuals to connect with local employers who are hiring. 

HCAP staff hosted two booths at the event, aimed at providing event participants with information about HCAP programs and services as well as current employment opportunities within our organization! 

For more information on employment opportunities at HCAP and how to apply, Click Here.

This Month: Get Vaccinated for COVID-19

Getting vaccinated helps protect you and your ʻohana from COVID-19 and helps prevent the virus from spreading through our community. Still haven’t gotten your shot? HCAP has you covered!

Through the end of August, HCAP is hosting two more free COVID-19 vaccination events at Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center, located at 91-1096 Yorktown St., Building 36, Kapolei, HI 96707. 

Join us Wednesday, August 11, and Wednesday, August 25, from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. at Kumuhonua. Walk-ins and those without insurance are welcome. Vaccines will be available in single-dose or two-dose options. 

Mahalo to our partners Project Vision Hawaiʻi, the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Hawai’i Covid-19 3R Team, and the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Health for making these events possible.

For more information, please call (808) 682-5494, or email kumuhonua@hcapweb.org.

HCAP Head Start Kicks Off New School Year

The summer intersession ended this week and HCAP Head Start headed back to school for the 2021-2022 school year! This year, Head Start classrooms are operating in person while adhering to the necessary health and safety guidelines to keep our local ʻohana safe. The teachers and keiki had a great first day of school together in the classroom.

Students had their temperatures taken before being able to join the class inside, and everyone did a great job of making sure to keep their hands clean and their masks on throughout the day. 

To learn more about HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start, Click Here.