HCAP WEEKLY May 15, 2023

2023 LIHEAP Preparations Underway

Preparations for the annual Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Energy Credit application period are underway at HCAP’s District Service Centers island-wide. LIHEAP Energy Credit offers qualifying households a credit toward future gas and electric bills. Applications for Energy Credit are only open from June 1-30 each year. 

HCAP staff have been conducting outreach activities this month to spread the word about LIHEAP Energy Credit in local communities. At Central District Service Center, long-time Head Start staff member Colleen Lomavita is assisting with these efforts. After more than 30 years with the program, Colleen missed working with the Head Start children and families since retiring last year. She is excited to be back and to have the opportunity to serve the community again as a LIHEAP volunteer this summer.

Outreach is especially important for kūpuna and individuals with disabilities who qualify for the program, but have difficulties getting to an HCAP location to apply for assistance. Katy Perry, Senior Community Services Manager at Central District Service Center, explained, “For the past three years, the program was conducted remotely by mail-in or drop-off services due to the pandemic. We received hundreds of applications, and although the process was tedious, we were able to assist all who applied. This year, we will be going back to in-person services only, so getting the word out is crucial.” 

Emergency utility assistance is also available year-round through LIHEAP and the Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). Households who have received a disconnection notice or whose utilities have already been shut off may apply for LIHEAP Energy Crisis Intervention and LIHWAP Water Crisis Intervention at their nearest HCAP District Service Center.

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Head Start Keiki Celebrate Motherhood in May

This week, mothers joined their keiki at Head Start classrooms around Oʻahu for a variety of fun and educational activities. From enjoying a meal and playing educational games, to reading a story, creating a poster, and planting, these positive female role models added a bit more excitement and fun to the classrooms and made lasting memories for the keiki and staff.

HCAP Head Start extends a warm mahalo nui to all of the mothers for taking the time to volunteer in the classrooms this week. 

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HCAP Attends 13th Annual Marshallese Education Day

This month, HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center staff attended the 13th annual Marshallese Education Day. The event recognizes academic achievements of Marshallese community members and their children. Students in attendance are awarded for their accomplishments and celebrated alongside family, community leaders, and local organizations.

Staff from HCAP and other service providers attended to share about the types of programs and services available to these families. The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa also attended to inform students and their parents about different education programs, how to apply for financial aid, and various scholarship opportunities. Iazu, a student from Waipahu Intermediate School, won HCAP’s door prize: a backpack full of goodies and self-care products.

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