Tessa Belardo of the Department of Education, Project YES (which stands for Youth Education Stability program) said on Tuesday that even children who are homeless need to be educated.
The DOE, Project YES, was one of the partners of Project Housing Connect that was presented by the Housing Agency in partnership with the Kauai Community Alliance in conjunction with Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week 2025, which aims to raise awareness about hunger and homelessness through educational, service, fundraising and advocacy events across the United States.
Belardo has been performing her duties of visiting help centers and homeless encampments for several years. This year, she has the advantage of a state vehicle that is equipped with Internet and audio-visual aids to help improve access to education by people who are houseless.
“This event is about resources and how to get out of being homeless,” a representative from Permanently Affordable Living Kauai told a client who needed direction on where The Salvation Army, Lihue Corps, was located. “We have a variety of agencies that probably have the answer for any questions you might have.”
Project Housing Connect continues today at The Salvation Army, Hanapepe Corps, located adjacent to the Hanapepe Neighborhood Center and the Hanapepe Stadium, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. In addition to the battery of resource agencies, there will be a hot meal served for those who need it.
On Thursday, Project Housing Connect moves to the All Saints Episcopal Church and Preschool in Kapaa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A representative from the Family Life Center said having Project Housing Connect in different regions of the island demonstrates the unique problems of the region where the event is held. As an example, the representative anticipates a strong turnout in Hanapepe where the event is tied to a known community help center.
Catholic Charities was focused on food needs, especially for government workers who have yet to receive any checks despite the end of the government shutdown. There is a big Kauai Independent Food Bank-hosted food distribution today, starting at 1 p.m. at the Kauai Veterans Center.
Some of the participating agencies at Project Housing Connect include the Family Life Center, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Kauai Economic Opportunity, PAL-Kauai, Hoola Lahui Hawaii, Project Vision Hawaii, Kauai Island Fentanyl Task Force, Life’s Choices, Hale Opio, the Kauai Fire Department, We Are Oceania, the Department of Health, and the Department of Education.
Source: The Garden Island
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