Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union supports the Institute for Human Services as they celebrate their 45th anniversary
HONOLULU, HI (July 12, 2023) — In response to concerns highlighted in the new report by UHERO, a group of staff volunteers from Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union (FCU) volunteered their time at the Institute of Human Services (IHS), intending to help with getting much-needed meals out to the homeless community on Oahu.
The UHERO report entitled The Hawaii Housing Factbook, documented that Hawaii has the fourth highest homelessness rate in the United States. According to the report, fewer than one third of households in Hawai`i can afford the typical local home.
Celebrating 45 years of service with the help of the community, IHS Executive Director Connie Mitchell said, “The spirit of volunteerism by HCFCU is the kind of community involvement that made a huge difference back when IHS first started and is key to us keeping our doors open and people fed. Current staff shortages mean a volunteer might be the one that ensures a guest receives dinner or gets their pillow and blanket for the night.“
Many of these guests had been living on the streets of Oahu without access to cooking facilities and unable to meet their basic daily needs before entering the shelter for respite. The team made time after work last evening and plans to return after work this evening to fill in where possible.
“Seeing the homeless population day-to-day from afar is one thing. But really seeing what they go through up close definitely puts things in perspective,” said Hawaii Central FCU Compliance Officer and volunteer Lee Uchiyama.
IHS prepares and serves, on average, 850 meals a day for men, women, and children out of their kitchen to three larger homeless shelters and their six other smaller specialty shelters. In addition to meal services, IHS provides healthcare, employment, housing stabilization, homeless outreach, and other specialized services.
“Having personally known and worked with Connie [Mitchell] for many years and knowing that their [IHS] mission aligns with our mission in terms of people helping people, it is a great privilege and honor that we embark on this endeavor with them,” said Hawaii Central FCU Executive Vice President Gary Nakata.
Lee Uchiyama (HCFCU Compliance Officer), Leona Larkin (IHS Volunteer and Community Programs Manager), Kim Mondejar (HCFCU Real Estate Loans Administrative Assistant)
About Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union
Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is currently recognized by FORBES as one of the top three Credit Unions in the State of Hawaii. Founded in 1937, Hawaii Central Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial institution serving over 17,000 members and has over $300 million in assets. Membership is open to all individuals who live, work, worship or attend school on Oahu. Businesses and other legal entities on the island are also eligible for membership.
