HCAP Weekly July 9, 2018

Kupuna Receives Help from LIHEAP and WAP
Family of Five Obtains LIHEAP Assistance for Electric Disconnection
Rapid Re-Housing Provides Lifeline to Couple with Medical Debt
STEM Teaching Staff Receive Training Before School Year Begins
HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

Kupuna Receives Help from LIHEAP and WAP

Aileen, who is a regular participant at Leahi District Service Center’s Kupuna Independent Life Series, recently applied for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) at the Moiliili Community Center. Both programs will help lower Aileen’s electric bill in the future. Through LIHEAP, Aileen was able to obtain financial assistance on her electric bill. With the help of WAP, Aileen received a brand new energy star refrigerator to replace her older, non-energy efficient one. HCAP is happy to provide Aileen with wraparound services.

Family of Five Obtains LIHEAP Assistance for Electric Disconnection

Last month, HCAP’s Central District Service Center received an urgent call from Maile, wife and mother of three. Maile’s electricity was disconnected, and she called Central District Service Center staff, explaining her situation and asking for assistance. Maile recently lost her job and her husband is only able to work part-time, leaving their household in a financial bind. The electric service disconnection happened on a Monday, and the Central District Service Center staff was able to secure Maile an appointment the next day.

On Tuesday morning, Maile came in and completed intake for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistnace Program (LIHEAP). As part of LIHEAP, the Central District Service Center staff assisted Maile through the application process to obtain Emergency Crisis Intervention credit, and gave her the proper information to take to Hawaiian Electric in a timely manner to help restore her services. Maile and her family were overcome with gratitude.

Rapid Re-Housing Provides Lifeline to Couple with Medical Debt

Arthur and his wife were doing well for themselves on the Mainland until his wife fell sick and became seriously ill. Since his wife could no longer work, the burden was left to Arthur to assume caretaking duties. Arthur eventually quit his full-time job to take care of her. But after being cut off from employer-based health insurance, Arthur and his wife were turned away by many medical providers.

Desperate for medical funds, Arthur and his wife sold their Mainland home and returned to Hawaii, where they had family. With the money pocketed from the sale, Arthur tried his best to find a comfortable rental in Oahu. Since Arthur and his wife were both unemployed, many properties declined to accept them as tenants. Fortunately, the landlords at the Villas at Royal Kunia accepted Arthur and his wife as tenants.

Their medical expenses, however, continued to pile up. The costs associated with his wife’s hip surgery, hospital stay, and out-of-pocket medications left Arthur and his wife financially depleted. Their car is in danger of being repossessed due to their inability to make payments. They are one month behind in rent. Close to being evicted, Arthur’s landlord referred him to HCAP’s Rapid Re-Housing program, which provides financial assistance and support. Arthur and his wife applied and were accepted into the Rapid Re-Housing program. Arthur and his wife are thankful for this program. In the meantime, Arthur has applied for jobs, and hopes to get back into the job market soon.

STEM Teaching Staff Receive Training Before School Year Begins

Last Wednesday, teaching staff from the Ha Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program attended training at the HCAP Corporate Office. With the school year quickly approaching, the teachers received training on how to implement classroom rules and safety procedures and tips and resources on lesson planning. In addition, teaching staff received updates on the upcoming FIRST LEGO League (FLL) season and advice on how to integrate the 2018-2019 FLL theme of space exploration into robotics activities.

HCAP Head Start Accepting Applications for the 2018-2019 School Year

Are you or someone you know in need of comprehensive early childhood education? Spread the word! HCAP Head Start is now accepting applications for children 3-5 years for the 2018-2019 school year. Families are encouraged to apply by calling (808) 847-2400 or visiting our website.