HCAP WEEKLY January 8, 2024

Catholic Charities of Hawaii Rental Utility Relief Program Outreach

The Leahi District Service Center attended Catholic Charities’ Rental Utility Relief Program (RURP) outreach event as a service provider. This event was hosted in partnership with the Council of Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) to help those who are struggling with past-due rent and/or utility bills.

Leahi District staff spent the day sharing information about HCAP’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) with families and individuals who were interested in the service. “This program is much needed in our communities. Many participants were surprised that our current water program would be able to provide a huge assistance towards their water bills,” recalled Leahi District manager Melani Matthew.  

Many attendees also took an interest in HCAP’s Head Start program as well as the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services for vocational training and assistance.

The Leahi staff share their many thanks to the hosts, Catholic Charities Hawaii and CNHA, for the opportunity to share HCAP’s services with the community.

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Head Start’s Fashion Show

The Head Start keiki at Kapalama concluded their study on clothes with a runway fashion show. They dressed up and showed off their favorite outfits and accessories as they sashayed down the runway. Throughout the study, the keiki learned about the various types of materials and patterns that comprise and create clothing. They also learned how clothing is made and washed. In addition to developing their gross motor, cognition, and color recognition skills, the keiki also increased their confidence as they celebrated their sense of fashion and individuality.

Click Here to learn more about Head Start & Early Head Start.

Kalaeloa Clients Overcome Challenges with HCAP’s Support

Siera and Christopher moved to Hawaii about 9 months ago and originally came to Oahu for work. After a few months, the job had ended and the couple realized that the cost of living was much higher than they anticipated. Having stayed in Waikiki for a bit, they could no longer afford the daily cost of hotels. With the help of an officer that they would often see, they were able to get into an emergency shelter with the Honu Project. Shortly after moving there the project closed and both clients were moved to another shelter. Siera and Christopher slowly began to adjust to their new environment but needed assistance with employment. With the help of HCAP’s Central District Service Center, Siera and Christopher were referred to the Kalaeloa District Service Center, which was able to meet with the couple that same day to complete intake. During the intake, Siera and Christopher stated that they had already started putting in applications, but they had no financial means to pay for transportation. HCAP was able to provide them with HOLO cards to get to their interviews and within a few days, the couple secured employment with IHOP. Since then, we have also been able to assist both clients with the purchase of work attire. Now that Siera and Christopher are working, they are looking forward to the next steps in reaching their goals, and hope within a few months to have enough money saved to help them get a place of their own.

Click Here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana.