HCAP WEEKLY September 11, 2023

Windward Client Extends a Heartfelt Thanks

Cynthia was relieved to discover that she could receive help from HCAP for her electric and water bills. With the guidance of staff from HCAP’s Windward District Service Center, she was able to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) with ease. During this process, Cynthia was also referred to HCAP’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and was excited to learn that it would further assist her home in becoming energy efficient.

During the application process with the Weatherization staff, she expressed concerns about the existing water heater and refrigerator in her home. Both appliances were older and had various issues that contributed to the high cost of her monthly utility bills. During her home energy audit, Cynthia was happy to learn about energy savings and received energy-efficient devices such as low-flow sink aerators and showerheads, smart power strips, and LED lightbulbs. Shortly after completing her home assessment, Cynthia was overjoyed to learn that she had been approved for a brand new, solar water heating system and energy-efficient refrigerator. Both major appliances were installed and delivered at no cost to her family.

In a heartfelt email to the HCAP staff who assisted her through various programs, Cynthia wrote:

We are writing to express our deepest gratitude to the Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) for the invaluable assistance we received. We wanted to take a moment to thank you and your entire team at HCAP for the remarkable programs you offer to support households in Hawaii facing dire circumstances.

We first learned about the HCAP program while desperately searching for help with our electric and water bills… The process was smooth, and your team guided us with care and patience. In fact, we had no idea about the extent of assistance available through HCAP, and we immediately shared our newfound knowledge with our ohana and friends.

We want to extend our appreciation to Sheena, one of the dedicated workers at [Windward] HCAP, who not only assisted us but also referred us to several other fantastic programs and organizations. Sheena’s guidance and support were exceptional… We must express our admiration for the Weatherization Program, particularly your representative, Lissette. Lissette’s guidance is exceptional… The support and opportunities provided by HCAP have made a significant difference in our lives, and we are immensely grateful.

In conclusion, we want to express our deepest mahalo to the entire HCAP team for your unwavering dedication to helping families like ours. Your kindness and assistance have not only eased our financial burdens but also given us hope for a brighter future.

With warmest regards and heartfelt thanks,

Cynthia and Craig

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs and Services.

HCAP Community Outreach

Outreach events are great ways for HCAP to connect with other service providers, meet community members, and share about the different programs and services that potential clients have access to. Recently, HCAP staff have attended two community programs. On Saturday, August 26th, St. Anthony’s Kalihi Parish held a community rummage sale and outreach event.

HCAP staff from the Leahi District Service Center, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and the Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services Program (ECS) tended a booth for visitors to learn more about the various services HCAP has to offer. Other vendors included the Honolulu Police Department, Skyline / Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation, Damian Memorial School, Catholic Charities, Honolulu Community College, the Kalihi Neighborhood Board, Kulia Academy, and others.

HCAP also recently participated in the 2nd Annual Waianae Hiring Fair/Career Expo, hosted by the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center (WCCHC). This event included information on various employment opportunities in the healthcare, skilled trades, and public safety fields. The ECS team along with the Kalaeloa District Service Center staff attended to present and deliver important information regarding HCAP’s wraparound services. In addition, staff engaged with other community members and gathered material from potential future employment partners such as Local 3 Operating Engineers, Restaurant 604, and Tamura’s Market. HCAP also met with First to Work employees to discuss partnering with HCAP for volunteer opportunities with their clients.

Attending networking events such as the Kalihi Parish Rummage sale and the WCCHC Hiring Fair increases HCAP’s visibility in the communities, enabling more families and individuals to learn about HCAP’s wraparound services.

Click Here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs and Services.

Free Hā Initiative STEM Activity at Pearlridge Consolidated Theaters

The Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program recently partnered with Consolidated Theaters. This year, Consolidated Theaters is doing a “Saturday Movie Series” where they promote local programs and organizations during select movies on Saturday mornings. The Hā Initiative got to set up a table with a free activity for kids inside the Ward location during the playing of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. The free STEM activity was directly related to Jumanji.

In the movie, the main characters utilize a map that only select people can see. Additionally, the map in the movie was always changing with words and locations appearing and disappearing depending on what stage they were at in the game. Similar to the movie, kids got to make their own “disappearing map.” Using a solution of baking soda and water, kids were able to drip a Q-Tip into the solution and draw their map onto a piece of white cardstock. When the solution was dry, it was almost completely invisible on the paper. Next, utilizing a turmeric powder and rubbing alcohol solution, students were able to take a small paintbrush and paint the solution over the paper, revealing their map. Turmeric contains a chemical curcumin which remains yellow in an acidic or neutral environment but turns red when it comes in contact with a base like baking soda.

The Hā Initiative will be at the Pearlridge location again on September 16 to set up a table and host a free activity for kids during the showing of The Croods: A New Age at 11:00 a.m.

Click Here to learn more about the Hā Initiative.