Hawaiian Electric grant to U.S.VETS will help improve quality of life for Waianae homeless
Release Date: 5/30/2019
Photo credit: U.S.VETS – Waianae.
HONOLULU, May 30, 2019 – A $10,000 grant from Hawaiian Electric to the nonprofit U.S.VETS – Waianae will help provide much needed services to individuals and families in Waianae who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
“Their mission is aligned with our goals to help build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Conrad “Ray” Higa, Hawaiian Electric operations manager at Kahe Power Plant, on presenting the donation. “We are a part of the west side, and it’s important for us to take care of our community,” added Higa.
“We are very appreciative of Hawaiian Electric for their generous grant,” said Dr. Kim Cook, acting executive director, U.S.VETS – Waianae. “Daily, we provide emergency shelter services to about 190 individuals, including couples and family households with children aged newborn to 17 years. We may be a last hope for individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, and our services are aimed at helping them overcome barriers to permanent housing, employment and daily independent living.”
U.S.VETS helps with affordable housing opportunities, food, hygiene supplies, access to on-premise laundry and mail service as well as referrals to community resources. Additional services include clothing, such as work shoes and uniforms, transportation, bus passes, educational programming for pre-school children, and support for school-age children to ensure daily attendance.
Since 2007, nearly 5,000 individuals have received onsite shelter services from U.S.VETS within 1,955 households. The organization also provides services to homeless households with service animals and family canines – the first shelter on Oahu to do so since 2013.
“Our goal is to provide the tools, opportunity, and safe environment for individuals and families to end their cycle of homelessness,” said Cook.
To learn more about the organization or to make a donation, visit www.usvetsinc.org/waianae or call (808) 696-6770.
