MEO receives $150,000 OHA award for fresh food program
Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc., today announced receiving a $150,000 award for a fresh food voucher program that will support the Native Hawaiian community through the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) COVID-19 Impact and Response Grant. ‘Ai Hua will help to reinforce...
National energy assistance program that aids local families celebrates 40th birthday
Chase Taiseni and his girlfriend visited a Maui Economic Opportunity housing/energy assistance outreach event in Kihei earlier this year. Chase had lost his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic and came to the event looking for help with utility bills. He had received a...
Recently released inmate works to restart his life
Lolesio Setefano was released from the federal correctional system after 10 years behind bars with hopes of restarting his life. He was referred to Maui Economic Opportunity’s BEST (Being Empowered and Safe Together) program in May. He came to the BEST program seeking...
MORTGAGE, RENT & UTILITY ASSISTANCE IN-PERSON APPLICATION SUPPORT
Renters and mortgage holders facing difficulties making their payments may qualify for assistance – including with back rent – and could receive information and help in applying for relief at Maui Economic Opportunity in-person outreach events and offices. MEO staff...
Housing specialist Shayna Manlapao is MEO Employee of the Month
Housing specialist Shayna Manlapao, who received a public shout-out in a Letter to the Editor in The Maui News, was named Maui Economic Opportunity June Employee of the Month. “Not only does she provide personal excellence with all of her clients, as a co-worker Shay...
Citizenship Classes
A two-session citizenship class will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Aug. 7 and 14, at Maui Economic Opportunity classrooms in Wailuku. The class, being offered jointly by MEO and Maui Immigration Services, will prepare attendees to take the U.S....
Yuki Lei Sugimura & Arleen Gerbig named 2021 Kūpuna Advocates
Lee Cataluna to speak at virtual MEO 49th Annual Kūpuna Aloha Celebration on July 30 Kūpuna Advocates of the Year – Council Member Yuki Lei Sugimura and west side senior leader Arleen Gerbig – will be honored at Maui Economic Opportunity’s 49th Annual Kūpuna Aloha...
Hawaii News Now report on MEO Inmate transition program
Chelsea Davis of Hawaii News Now highlighted Maui Economic Opportunity's BEST (Being Empowered and Safe Together) program that helps recently released inmates transition back into the community. Many leave the jail/prison with no money, ID, health insurance, housing...
MEO’s Cassi Yamashita named PBN 40 Under 40
Maui Economic Opportunity’s Director of Community Services, Cassi Yamashita, has been selected as one of Pacific Business News 40 Under 40: Class of 2021. Cassi’s name appears alongside some of the state’s top young leaders under age 40 including Tyson Miyake, Maui...
June 30 application deadline nears for energy credit help
The deadline to apply for federally funded energy credit assistance aimed at low-income residents who are not in crisis but require help to pay their heating and cooling bills is 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 30. Maui Economic Opportunity administers the once-a-year...