“God is able to multiply our tiny gestures of solidarity, let us participate in his gift … Jesus offers the fullness of life for those who hunger.”(Pope Francis, July 26, 2015)
Many enjoy Ala Moana Beach Park for the ocean, the surf and family barbecues. Yet a few hundred yards away at Kewalo Basin, people are homeless and hungry. Some have camped near St. Marianne Cope’s statue for more than a year. Others are more recent arrivals, such as the extended Chuukese family with 12 children, several teenagers and seven adults, including tutus.
The keiki happily play around and on the saint’s bronze likeness. She smiles down lovingly upon them as she did in the late 19th century, serving the most vulnerable in Kakaako and Kalaupapa. Perhaps her silent spirit is beckoning us to see the hunger all around us and DO something about it.
This particular ohana represents hundreds who have moved to the streets after being forced out of public or private housing because of overcrowding, or from parks because of the enforcement of new laws. Many Micronesians are culturally drawn to live in larger groups, a practice not often allowed by housing occupancy rules. Consequently they often find themselves on the streets.
Large extended families with young children are some of Hawaii’s newest homeless. Many are Chuukese, whose island was devastated in March by super-typhoon Maysak. Those accustomed to going back and forth between the islands have not been able to return home because 95 percent of their buildings and homes were destroyed by the storm and the sources of local staple foods, such as breadfruit, were wiped out.
In the spirit of St. Marianne, Margarita Cholymay, the Chuukese wife of Deacon Elliot Cholymay and experienced translator and community worker, was moved to help the homeless. She reached out to this family to talk to them about their needs. In a few days, with assistance from the Institute for Human Services (IHS), she procured bus passes for the kids to get to school and the adults to go to work. She also connected them with their faith community, introducing them to Chuukese priest Father Julio Angkel, simple gestures of solidarity in the spirit of Jesus and St. Marianne.
The city and state have said they will conduct “sweeps” of the homeless from the streets during August. IHS is asking for help to feed the homeless as they are moved to temporary transition shelters and then to permanent housing. Several Catholic parishes already partner with IHS, including St. Ann, Kaneohe; St. Augustine, Waikiki; St. Pius, Manoa; Sacred Heart, Makiki, and St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Mililani. If you would like to volunteer, contact Renee at IHS, 447-2810.
In this spirit of “witnessing to Jesus” through “tiny gestures of solidarity,” we take a moment to honor the passing of Winona Kamai who for 25 years served the diocese and supported work with homeless persons. Even when she was ill and homebound, Aunty Nona put together hygiene and clothing packages for homeless persons all over Hawaii, embodying Micah’s prophetic words, “What does God simply require to live a good life: be fair in doing justice, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
Mahalo!
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
