Aloha,
On Aug. 6, many were preparing for Hurricanes Iselle and Julio to hit Hawaii, including a good number of the state’s full-time National Guardsmen.
That same day, it was announced the state had received additional funding, hundreds of thousands of dollars, to help house homeless veterans. One out of every three homeless males in the U.S. is a veteran.
These two apparently disconnected facts came together in an inspiring way at the Francis Bowers Armory in Wahiawa. While soldiers were preparing to “stand-up” their battalion operations center, the battalion executive officer met with veterans who are parishioners of St. John Apostle and Evangelist, Mililani, and St. George, Waimanalo, and with staff from the Institute of Human Services and the diocesan Office for Social Ministry.
The visit was part of preparations for a Homeless Veteran Stand Down. The same men and women in our National Guard who put their lives in harm’s way are the brave souls that serve our communities during natural disasters.
The Stand Down event is a “one stop shop” set up by non-profits and the Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans to get necessary resources and support. This important collaboration includes support given and received by people in our parish pews.
On Aug. 29, a Stand Down at Ala Moana Park’s McCoy Pavilion from 9 a.m. to noon will offer VA housing resources, employment services and benefit services to veterans and their families.
This event will be followed by another Stand Down, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Nov. 6, at the Francis Bowers Armory in Wahiawa. Offered along with the above-mentioned VA services will be free haircuts, medical services, continental breakfast and lunch.
Anyone interested in being a volunteer at either Stand Down event and honoring our U.S. veterans with your time, talent and treasure, please contact the Office for Social Ministry at 203-6702.
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
