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Empowering the Vulnerable

Empowering the Vulnerable during COVID-19

As we continue to practice “Safer at Home-Act with Care” measures, Hawaii remains among one of the nation’s lowest COVID-19-infected states. Yet hunger and food insecurity continue to rise. Even as our state relaxes restrictions, many businesses have had to close for good, leading to more unemployment and less income to put food on the table. We are blessed to have many community resources responding to this need statewide and we will continue to provide updates on ways to access community food and services, especially for vulnerable populations, including immigrants and refugees here in Hawaii.

The Salvation Army has been providing social services since it was founded in 1865. The organization is well known for its rapid response to various emergencies and disasters throughout history. During this current pandemic, the Hawaii Salvation Army remains committed to providing emergency assistance through food boxes, meals-to-go, and emotional and spiritual support.  Attached is a listing of food distribution sites in every county.

Final large food distributions sponsored by the City & County of Honolulu in partnership with the Bank of Hawaii Foundation and Hawaii Food Bank will be held Tuesday, June 9th, 9:00 AM at the Aloha Stadium.

The Pacific Gateway Center works to empower immigrant, refugee and vulnerable populations throughout the year. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to provide essential resources for the health and safety of the community with an overall goal of improving self-sufficiency. Its Na Kupuna Makamae Center focuses specifically on empowering our kupuna.  Food distributions sponsored in partnership with Aloha Harvest, Help is on the Way, and Ham Produce and Seafood Inc. are scheduled every Saturday throughout the month of June at 653 Ala Moana Blvd from 12:00-2:30 PM while supplies last. Patrons must walk-in for their surplus food.

For a list of COVID-19 resources in multiple languages, please visit the State of Hawaii Office of Language Access page, which includes COVID-19-related documents translated in Chuukese, Marshallese, Filipino, Samoan and more. For more information, visit our Office for Social Ministry website on COVID-19 updates.

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