Hawaii Island United Way Announces Over $200,000 in New Programs in Response to Coronavirus Crisis
In response to the coronavirus crisis and its impacts to Hawaiʻi Island’s most vulnerable people, Hawaiʻi Island United Way announces over $200,000 in funding for new programs to address the most urgent needs in our community.
“Hawaiʻi Island United Way’s mission has always been to unite people, organizations and resources to improve the education, financial stability, and health of our island’s families – and all three areas are now being impacted by the restrictions needed to fight the coronavirus threat,” said T. Ilihia Gionson, Hawaiʻi Island United Way board chair. “These new programs are Hawaiʻi Island United Way’s effort to quickly get badly needed resources into the community we love.”
The Hawaiʻi Island Recovery Fund was initiated with contributions from Hawaiʻi Island United Way and the Hawaiian Electric Industries Charitable Foundation. Additional donations from companies and individuals have brought the fund to over $60,000. Contributions to the fund can be made at HIUW.org.
The new fund will be supporting front-line community response efforts through the ʻEleu Grants program, offering up to $2,500 to initiatives with a one-page application, rapid electronic funds transfers, and a one-page report. Since applications opened last week, ʻEleu Grants have already been awarded to:
- Arc of Kona to continue services to participants with intellectual disabilities
- Big Island Substance Abuse Council to ensure access to counseling services for healthcare workers and first responders facing catastrophic stress and burnout
- Bridge House to fund additional expenses for their sober living program related to the coronavirus crisis
- Child & Family Service to support an increase in demand for their services for families in crisis
- Hāmākua Youth Center to support remote homework assistance and activities, as their youth participants are no longer able to congregate
- Hawaiʻi County Economic Opportunity Council to deliver frozen meals and groceries to low-income seniors in Kaʻū
- Hawaiʻi Island Home For Recovery to support an increase in demand for their services for homeless people with mental illness and substance abuse disorders
- Hawaiʻi Rise Foundation for the distribution of senior and children’s packages with household supplies and information, and gathering data on vulnerable households
- Homeless Task Force for their homeless outreach services related to the coronavirus crisis, including family reunification and facilitation of housing to ensure stay-at-home compliance
- Hui Mālama I Ke Ala ʻŪlili for the purchase and distribution of Paʻauilo-sourced produce and meat to the Paʻauilo community
- Island of Hawaiʻi YMCA to support child care for healthcare workers and first responders
- Laʻiʻōpua 2020 to provide weekly hot meals to the Kona community
- Makuʻu Farmers Market to purchase local produce from their vendors and distribute to seniors and families in the area
- Mental Health Kōkua for additional expenses for their residential rehabilitation program related to the coronavirus crisis
- Paʻa Pono Miloliʻi for emergency supplies and personal protective equipment for households in the remote Miloliʻi fishing village
- YWCA Hawaiʻi Island Preschool to implement distance learning for our island’s youngest learners
Non-profit organizations or community initiatives can learn more about the ʻEleu Grants program and apply at HIUW.org/eleu-grants.
For families facing difficulty making rent or utility payments during this crisis, Hawaiʻi Island United Way is funding the COVID-19 Rent & Utility Assistance program. In partnership with United Ways across Hawaiʻi, over $140,000 in payments will be made on behalf of Hawaiʻi Island participants directly to landlords and utility companies. This funding has been provided by the J. Watumull Fund, Harold K. L. Castle Foundation, HEI Charitable Foundation and American Savings Bank. To apply for up to $1,000 in assistance with rent or utility payments, call 211.
“We know that over half of our Hawaiʻi Island households face financial challenges, either below the poverty line or in a category we call ALICE – asset limited, income constrained, and employed,” said Karen Davis, Hawaiʻi Island United Way President & Chief Professional Officer. “That means over half our Hawaiʻi Island households will face challenges making ends meet through this crisis. We stand ready to help.”
For more information about any of these programs, or how your generosity can directly benefit the most vulnerable people in our Hawaiʻi Island community, contact Karen Davis at CPO@HIUW.org.
About Hawaiʻi Island United Way
Since 1967, Hawai‘i Island United Way’s mission has been to unite people, organizations, and resources to build a healthier community. Through the generosity of donors, Hawaiʻi Island United Way invests in health and human service programs in the areas of education, financial stability, and health that reach thousands of people on Hawai‘i Island. Learn more and give at HIUW.org.
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