The Homeless Alliance organized the sign-waving event in Kahului and Lahaina to mark National Hunger & Homeless Awareness Week from Nov. 13-21. The theme of the week is “Everybody Needs A Home.”
There were about 70 sign wavers at the Kahului event fronting the Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center. Organizations that offer help to Maui’s homeless individuals joined the sign waving, including Feed My Sheep, Family Life Center, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers and Catholic Charities, as well as MEO. Maui County Homeless Coordinator David Nakama held a sign that read “Got Home.”
MEO’s contingent included 15 youths, as well as CEO Debbie Cabebe, COO Gay Sibonga, Youth Services Director Dane Ka‘ae, Community Services Director Cassi Yamashita and Housing Specialist Kathy Jimenez. Many drivers honked their horns as they passed by.
Rental, mortgage and utility assistance is available for those in need through MEO. Call (808) 249-2970 and ask for a housing case manager or email [email protected] or [email protected]. Information also is available on the MEO website at meoinc.org.
Families interested in signing up their intermediate and high school youths in the MEO Youth Services after-school, summer and school holiday programs can call (808) 249-2990 or email dane.ka‘[email protected].
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*About Maui Economic Opportunity*
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., is a nonprofit agency that’s part of the national Community Action Partnership network, whose goal is to help low income individuals and families and disenfranchised people help themselves and transform their lives. Chartered in 1965, MEO offers more than 40 programs that assist low income people, kupuna, youths, persons with disabilities, immigrants and other disenfranchised individuals. MEO runs the Human Services transportation program and the Maui Bus paratransit system and Head Start preschools, as well as programs that offer kupuna socialization and information; rent, mortgage and utility assistance; Spanish interpretation and translation; entrepreneurial and financial basics; inmate reintegration into the community after release; and youth anti-drinking, -bullying and -suicide prevention. For more information about the entire array of programs, visit meoinc.org or call (808) 249-2990.
