LIHU‘E — Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily, front-page stories about families and individuals (we don’t use their real names), who are facing challenges and would appreciate a little help this holiday season.
The Christmas Fund is an avenue for everyone to provide that assistance. Donations are used by Zonta Club members to purchase gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families and individuals through social-service agencies.
Each donation is accounted for and recorded. There are no administrative costs involved, and money goes directly to provide for those in need of Christmas presents and groceries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word. Anyone making a donation of $200 or more can have their picture published in TGI.
Also, for every $250 donation given to the Christmas Fund, Hale Uluwehi Charitable Foundation will match up to $5,000.
Donations may be made by way of the website, Zonta-Kaua‘i.org, or checks can be made payable to The Zonta Club of Kaua‘i Foundation, P.O. Box 3032, Lihu‘e, HI 96766.
The following are some of stories we would like to share with our readers.
• Tommy was living with his daughter until this past January when she moved to another island. He is a single homeless person, who found places around Lihu‘e to sleep at night. Tommy was placed in the emergency homeless shelter a couple of months ago. He obtained a housing voucher, and for the last month he has been submitting housing applications and attending housing interviews with potential landlords. Tommy receives a monthly financial benefit from welfare and SNAP benefits. Any help would be appreciated.
• Gene is a single homeless person, who found himself homeless when his landlord increased his rent and he was unable to pay for the new amount of rent. Gene receives social security benefits each month and has been searching for affordable housing. He is currently staying in an emergency homeless shelter. Gene would appreciate any assistance with his situation.
• Frank is a single homeless person whose rental lease was terminated by his landlords. He is employed and has been unable to find an affordable apartment. Frank was unsheltered and entered an emergency homeless shelter recently. He would appreciate any assistance.
• Kanani is a single parent with three children — Jaz, Lettie and Eric. The family was homeless as they fled from a violent and abusive relative. After living in their vehicle at various locations on the island, they were placed in the emergency homeless shelter.
In spite of their living situation, Kanani’s two daughters graduated from high school. She and her daughters enrolled in community college and her son continues to attend public school. The family obtained a rental home with a housing subsidy. Their holidays would be bright if they had housewares, bedding and linens for their new home.
• Hazel is a single mother of a teenage son, who is autistic. They were rehoused in 2022 after being houseless for over three years. Hazel has had numerous health issues over the past year and has not been able to secure permanent employment. The father of her child currently does not have income; Hazel has not received child support for the past year. The family is in need of clothing and shoes, as both mother and son are trying to find employment.
• Faith is a single mother of two children, who was formerly homeless and is a domestic violence survivor. With the help of CCH, Faith was able to stabilize herself and her children in housing. She has continued therapy for herself and her son in order to work through the issues with the domestic violence and PTSD.
Faith has been able to manage her budget to the last dime, but does not have any extra for clothing or presents for her children. This family would appreciate any assistance in getting help with some warm clothing for the children.
