St. Augustine Parish in Waikiki is beginning a new homeless outreach program in collaboration with the Institute for Human Service. File photo
OFFICE FOR SOCIAL MINISTRY
Despite the recent news of mass shootings, hurricanes, typhoons, and families suffering from the effects of migration, it is important to remember that the Holy Spirit continues to bring GOOD NEWS and hope to the vulnerable.
Our last “Talk story” column reported the GOOD NEWS that St. Augustine Parish in Waikiki was developing a homeless outreach program. Well, now it is official! Beginning Sept. 19, the historic parish (which recently celebrated its 165th anniversary) is teaming with the Institute for Human Services (IHS) to host a “one stop homeless service” every Thursday, 4-7 p.m.
IHS is securing additional vital services from Project Vision Hawaii, Hie Hie Mobile Hygiene Center, and Waikiki Health Center.
The weekly event will offer an array of desperately needed services, from hot showers, to housing and employment opportunities, access to vital documents, veteran support, applications for health insurance and other benefits. The collaboration will also provide urgent care and prescription refills, transportation to the IHS shelter and a relocation housing program, as well as substance abuse and mental health triage.
IHS is looking for groups to serve hot meals at each event. Parishes interested in providing a meal for 50 people are asked to contact info@ihshawaii.org or call 447-2829 and ask for Andrew Long.
Our August “Talk story” columns also shared the GOOD NEWS of our U.S. bishops advocating for the dignity of every human person. They used their collective voice to speak out against policies affecting vulnerable families, including people with disabilities and medical challenges.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of August, the U.S. government made a decision to stop considering requests from immigrants seeking to remain in the country because of medical hardship. This change of policy was going to affect all pending requests — including those seeking renewal — and would eliminate any first-time applicants. Many of those affected by the policy change came to the U.S. through a visa or other permitted status and are requesting to stay beyond those terms to receive medical treatment.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services sent letters to migrant families saying the agency would no longer consider their deferred medical action requests and gave them 33 days to leave the country or be deported. The policy change would affect many families, including those with children suffering from cancer, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and epilepsy, even though these families came to the U.S. legally.
Seven-year-old Joaquin from Guyana (one of the poorest South American countries) is one of many children facing a severe health crisis. He and his mother came to the U.S. on tourist visas in August 2016 to visit Joaquim’s grandparents, who are American citizens. They were visiting a zoo when Joaquim suddenly fell ill and was diagnosed with epilepsy.
Since then, Joaquim has had major health problems. He suffered a collapsed lung during a seizure, requiring a tracheotomy. He also developed an infection in his colon, requiring the removal of his large intestine and the use of a colostomy bag. Joaquim currently receives regular care at a major U.S. hospital. His mother fears he would not survive deportation back to Guyana.
However, the GOOD NEWS is that, after a national outcry from concerned citizens, the deferred medical action policy change was amended to exempt those who have been in the system before Aug. 7. But it is still not clear if new applicants will have to go through the deportation process. We ask for continued prayers and vigilance on this ongoing issue affecting vulnerable persons.
Please visit www.officeforsocialministry and www.justiceforimmigrants for more about bringing GOOD NEWS to the poor.
Mahalo,
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
