The Office of Hawaiian Affairs announced this week it awarded $329,000 in community grants to nine projects.

The Community-Based Economic Development grants aim to help Native Hawaiians achieve self-sufficiency by strengthening leadership abilities, job skills and financial literacy.

The programs provide job training, opportunities for people emerging from correctional facilities, assistance to entrepreneurs and help to homeless families.

The money goes to Alii Pauahi Hawaiian Civic Club, WorkNet Inc., Mana Maoli, SCORE Hawaii, Kula no na Poe Hawaii, Alternative Structures International, Women in Need, Family Promise of Hawaii and Corvette Center Ministries.