The Kent & Polli Smith Family Fund of the Hawai`I Community Foundation
provided a $10,000 grant to Maui Economic Opportunity for rental and
utility assistance to people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grant went to first-time applicants for rent and utility assistance. A
total of 21 households and 54 people received help through the grant.
MEO offers programs countywide for business development; youths, including
workforce preparation, substance abuse prevention and Head Start; senior
club coordination; rental and energy assistance; and integration of
formerly incarcerated individuals into the community.
The 56-year-old nonprofit also runs the Maui Bus ADA paratransit service
through a contract with Maui County and operates human services
transportation, providing rides for seniors, persons with disabilities,
youths and residents in rural areas throughout Maui County.
