HCAP WEEKLY July 21, 2025

Kumuhonua Participant Gains Stability in Permanent Housing

Program participant, Kyle, at the Kumuhonua Transitional Living Center (KTLC) has recently achieved a huge accomplishment of securing permanent housing. He has worked hard towards self-sufficiency and remained consistent in meeting with his case manager, Carolyn, to overcome barriers. He was also working with his housing coordinator, Kamalani Soares, from Catholic Charities to receive assistance in obtaining housing and with his first month’s rent and deposit.

Despite all the hardships Kyle faced throughout his life, he never gave up and has always remained positive towards the future. While he was living at Kumuhonua, he was not only able to increase his income, but also put money aside and eventually have a place to call his own. Now that that day has come, Kyle has stated that he is and will always be grateful for the help he has received from KTLC staff and HCAP’s partner, Catholic Charities.

The KTLC staff is extremely happy and proud of all the work that was put into Kyle’s successful transition, and they all wish him the best of luck in this new chapter of his life.

Click here to learn more about KTLC.

Windward District Staff Attends Resource Events for New Mothers

This summer, HCAP Windward District Service Center staff were able to participate in various community events held at the KEY Project in Kahalu’u that uplift and share resources valuable to new mothers. A Community Baby Shower was held to celebrate pregnant and recently postpartum mothers who have babies up to three months old. Presented by Ke Ola Mamo, this free event encouraged participants from all over the island to commemorate creating a new life and take part in fun activities such as baby shower games, raffle prizes and lei making with beautiful fresh flowers!

HCAP Windward District staff were able to share a quick introduction of services HCAP provides at a community resource fair, including the Hawai’i Home Energy Assistance Program (H-HEAP) Energy Credit in June. There were several organizations like Mana Wahine Doula, Keiki o Ka ‘Aina, Aloha at Home, and Motherwit sharing information about how they can help pregnant and postpartum mothers. A panel of Obstetrics and Pediatrics was held where doctors answered questions from the crowd relating to a range from prenatal to pediatric stages of life. Attendees received swag bags donated by Ma’i Movement along with a table offering free baby clothes and women’s hygienic items. Thank you to Ke Ola Mamo and other sponsors for this amazing event for the community members!

Click here to learn more about HCAP Programs and Services.

STEM Students Discover the Mechanics of Prosthetics

At the Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program’s Honolulu STEM Exploration Center, students dove into the world of engineering and explored the many ways it shapes everyday lives. They were introduced to the field of mechanical engineering and had the opportunity to learn about something meaningful. For their hands-on project, students designed paper prosthetic hands while gaining insight into the basics of mechanical design and how engineers craft prosthetics that mirror the movements and functions of real human hands. The STEM students got to experience the creative process and see firsthand how engineering can make a difference in people’s lives. By building these models, students are not only learning about mechanics but also exploring the ways engineering can be used to solve real-world problems and improve the lives of others.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.