Screenshot HOPE Services
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
“We all owe much gratitude to Catholic Charities Hawaii, IHS, Family Promise, HOPE Services, the Salvation Army and our many faith communities who demonstrate community support for those who are in need. To continue their work, all these agencies need funding from the government, businesses, and private donors.” (Bishop Larry Silva, Honolulu Star-Advertiser June 10 commentary, “Support Our Brothers and Sisters in Need”)
As our local communities across the state continue to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic and its related economic meltdown, it is more crucial than ever to maintain proper support and funding for organizations serving the most vulnerable. Hawaii lawmakers play a huge role in making this happen, as they reconvene on June 22 to consider money bills that would help ease the burden on struggling families facing hunger, homelessness and health problems.
Unfortunately, a projected $2.3 billion budget shortfall is threatening many of the essential lifelines currently available for the vulnerable, as future funding for food, housing and other social services to those most in need is now seriously at risk.
Catholic social teaching calls for advocacy on behalf of the most vulnerable who lack the basic rights of food and shelter and access to health care. That’s why Bishop Larry Silva spoke out on behalf of the most vulnerable during these difficult times, writing in a recent op-ed: “We urge the State to release the CARES Act money to all who need it now to help them bridge the gap between the critical moment they are in now and self-sustaining employment. We urge the State to continue working diligently in partnership with businesses and faith communities on affordable housing for all, since people who live in dignity are better able to care for themselves and others in need.”
Catholic Charities Hawaii and Hope Services Hawaii, social agencies affiliated with the Diocese of Honolulu, believe keeping people in their homes is key for preventing more homelessness. The devastation of families and seniors losing their homes and being pushed onto the streets or in shelters will accelerate the suffering happening in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.
These Catholic organizations are also calling legislators to restore funding to the State Rent Supplement Program so that rent subsidies to low-income persons can be maintained, especially at this time. Without this funding, many elders and families will face homelessness. They are also asking the legislature to allow the State Department of Health to access the mental health and substance abuse special fund to create capital improvements for individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, another major factor in homelessness.
These agencies are a vital part of inspiring hope as our statewide community comes together as One Ohana sharing the abundance of aloha for the common good that still exists in these trying times. Every county government across the state is mobilizing and partnering with the private sector, local philanthropies, social agencies, food banks, Meals on Wheels and a wide range of faith-based organizations to distribute healthy meals to kupuna, families and others suffering from food insecurity.
The authority and responsibility of public officials to pursue the common good also is affirmed by Catholic social teaching. As the state legislators gather in a special session, we pray for those people suffering the health and economic consequences of this pandemic. We pray for the individuals and organizations who reach out to the hungry, the homeless and all who lack basic necessities and are denied full participation in society. We pray for all who advocate breaking the cycle of poverty.
We pray for our public officials who bear the task of legislating economic justice and compassionate service for all in our state. For more information on Catholic Charities Hawaii, HOPE Services Hawaii, and how to support our brothers and sisters in need, please visit their websites catholiccharitieshawaii.org and hopeserviceshawaii.org.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
