United States - Kona, Hawaii:

Kona Airline Ambassadors Mission Report

In January, AAI Members Jenny Flores, Shannon De Witt and Victor Otero flew to Kona, Hawaii to work with Huellyn Whitford of Family Support of West Hawaii, to refinish tables and benches that are apart of the Friendly Place.

In Hawaii the number of homeless in increasing, affordable housing is a major problem.  Without housing it is difficult for people to find and maintain jobs.

In addition, take care of basic hygienic needs, or care for their family. At 18 years of age foster children are released from foster care. At times some of these individuals are not ready for independent adult living skills.

Each of us met the staff and some of the homeless that are utilizing the services offered. We became enlightened on some of the causes of homelessness.

We also had the opportunity to see the programs that are offered at the center through the Hawaii (CAP) Continuum of Care’s Community Alliance Partners.

Areas of focus are, job placement, meals, emergency and transitional housing, hygiene, laundry facilities, and alcohol and drug abuse counseling.

The photos that are attached are of the tables that we refinished for the Friendly Place.

Me ka ha’a ha’a (with humility)
Shannon De Witt
Airline Ambassadors

Additional information on the Kailua-Kona area:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kailua-Kona%2C_Hawaii

Stories From The Field