In an effort to assist Hawaii’s homeless veterans and other members of the military in need of support, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu’s Office for Social Ministry and its partners are collecting donations for an event dubbed "Stand Down and Job Fair."
The job fair is set for 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Hawaii National Guard Bower’s Armory in Wahiawa, 77-230 Kamehameha Highway. It will feature 26 employers and 45 agencies and service providers. There will also be interactive workshops on how to update a resume, prepare for a job interview and qualify for government-funded housing vouchers.
A special Vet2Vet support meeting will be offered for veterans who need assistance, and Hawaii First Circuit Court Judge Edward Kubo will be available to discuss common legal issues.
Members from the faith community, military and social service agencies will be on hand to offer immediate assistance with housing and employment opportunities, and emotional support. The diocese is hosting the event in tandem with state and federal veterans agencies, and the Institute for Human Services.
According to the event’s organizers, there are an estimated 590 homeless veterans in Hawaii.
In addition to homeless veterans, the "Stand Down" event aims to help unemployed vets and personnel wrapping up military service and seeking a civil job. Participants will be offered lunch and snacks as well as complimentary haircuts, massages and clothing.
The diocese’s Office for Social Ministry’s assistant director, Iwie Tamashiro, will collect donations for the event on Tuesday. Tamashiro can be contacted at 203-6702 or itamashiro@rcchawaii.org.
Donations are being requested for the following items to serve at least 100 people: orange or passion-orange-guava juice; coffee; creamer/sugar; individually packaged cookies, chips, nuts, snacks; crackers; and gift bags; doughnuts; fresh fruit; paper goods; and door prizes.
