HCAP WEEKLY May 22, 2023

Learning and Growing with Early Head Start
Windward District Service Center Staff Strengthens Community Partnerships
Weatherization Client Receives Energy Saving Services


Learning and Growing with Early Head Start

The Early Head Start East II keiki and families continued to learn and grow together this past week as they engaged in activities that promote the well rounded development of social-emotional, fine motor, gross motor, and cognition skills. Steven and his mom practiced turning pages of a book while reading. Petueli and his mom engaged in handwashing. Koa practiced feeding himself with minimal help from his mom. Lastly, Avi Hoku twisted and turned various objects with her mom.

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

Windward District Service Center Staff Strengthens Community Partnerships

HCAP’s partnerships within the community are an essential part of bridging the gap in providing employment and assisting vulnerable populations with self-sustainability. One of the major barriers clients face when they reach out to Windward District Service Center is finding clean and sober living. Clients are often dealing with challenging personal circumstances, and are seeking positive living arrangements. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic most of HCAP’s sober living partners were unfortunately restricted in their ability to receive new residents, leaving some of these individuals vulnerable.

As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, the HCAP Windward District Service Center staff is putting its efforts in finding homes that have open spaces for clients to rent. Over the last three months HCAP’s Windward staff met with Salvation Army ATS, Tutu Bert’s Homes, Salvation Army Women’s Way, House of Redemption, Women Second Chance, Habilitat, Kalihi Uka, YWCA Fernhurst, and Po’ailani Inc. All sites met with HCAP staff to explain their program and show staff around their campuses. In return, The Windward District Service Center staff was able to share information regarding HCAP programs in hopes that their clients could benefit from the services HCAP offers. Each program was referred to one of the 5 HCAP District Service Centers servicing their neighboring communities. 

Click Here to learn more about HCAPs Programs & Services 


Weatherization Client Receives Energy Saving Services

In late February, a family located in Waianae reached out to HCAP’s Leeward District Service Center to inquire about applying to the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). The homeowner Sandra had pressing issues with two of her electric water-heater tanks that had been in the home since the family moved in more than 10 years ago. The base of both tanks were eaten away by rust and showed signs of leakage. Using the damaged tanks over the years had not only drastically increased their monthly utility bills, but also resulted in the family frequently not having enough hot water for their daily needs. 

Upon qualifying for WAP services, the family was able to have two brand-new solar water heater tanks installed in their home at no cost. In addition, they also received low-flow sink aerators, a smart power strip, and CFL light bulbs to further relieve energy usage in their home. The family also received one-time payments toward their water and electric bills through HCAP’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

Sandra expressed deep gratitude for the help from HCAP and is amazed that it did not cost a single penny on her end. She is happy to share this story in hopes that other families in need will learn that there is help within the community.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program.