Financial Literacy
Workshops, classes and one-on-one sessions are available to help residents understand and effectively learn to use financial skills to manage their money and create a healthier financial situation. Areas covered include personal money management, budgeting, establishing credit, managing debt, tracking spending, and saving and investing for the future. During tax season, free tax help is available to eligible residents through the IRS-sponsored VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program.
Workforce Development
Residents are able to gain knowledge and skills for employment and job training from a single location. Services include free job search assistance, personal career guidance and planning, resume writing and interview practice, training opportunities, HireNet Hawaii support, and referrals to other community resources for other services such as child care assistance.
“The one-on-one counseling session was very helpful. I learned about the effective ‘debt avalanche’ method to work toward paying off credit card debt.”
Digital Literacy
Computers have become a part of our everyday life in the way we work, learn and connect with others. Classes are held at various properties to help residents, mainly seniors, who have little or no experience using a computer. Topics include learning the basics of using a computer and email, connecting and browsing the Internet, and more. As telehealth expands, being comfortable with digital technology will be important for seniors, who are likely to need more medical attention as they age.
With a Hawaii State Public Library System library card, anyone can visit librarieshawaii.org and start exploring digital resources. You can assess your digital skills by taking the free NorthStar Digital Literacy test to see how much you already know. There are more than 1,500 free online courses to help you grow your digital skills. There are also eBooks of animated classic storybooks for kids to help build your child’s early literacy skills.
Health & Wellness
Komohale Services is committed to keeping residents healthy, safe and actively engaged. On-site clinics for vision and hearing screenings and immunizations are set up at various properties, while activities and events promote a sense of community. At Pohulani Elderly, seniors are encouraged to meet in a gathering space to sit and eat nourishing, home-delivered meals together or participate in daily activities such as exercise classes and Bingo games, while enjoying the company of others.
Homeownership Help
Housing Independence for Families offers home ownership educational classes and financial counseling to eligible families to develop the skills they need to attain economic independence and homeownership. Families who complete the year-long educational and savings program receive a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $30,000 each for a down payment toward a first-time home. Homeownership classes are conducted in partnership with the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center.
By helping renters move toward homeownership, this will open up units for more economically vulnerable families who are waiting for a more stable housing option.
A Place for Kids
Children who live at Halekauwila Place have a safe, supervised space to go after school. Open two afternoons a week, the Kreation Korner can accommodate up to 10 children, where they can do their homework or use one of the computers to develop their computer-related skills, play online games or solve puzzles.
Energy Credit
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a one-time energy credit per year to households on their electricity bill. The program year runs from October 1 to September 30. However, applications for energy credit are only excepted between June 1-30.
For more information on LIHEAP or to download the application packet, https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-LIHEAP-LIHWAP-Application-Packet.pdf.
“Thanks to the Kreation Korner, my children have a safe place to go, where they can be kids.”
Services and resources are provided at select affordable rental properties on Oahu, Maui and Hawaii Island.