Change a Life this Christmas for a Homeless Teen-Project Hawai'i, Inc.

Save to Favorites

Aloha,
Project Hawai'i, Inc. is a nonprofit organization run 100% by volunteers. Our agency runs by public donations and our mission is to enhance the lives of homeless children and help them escape their cycle of poverty.

I want to share a little story that was just presented to our volunteers while we were at the pumpkin patch with the homeless children. This is the reality they face in daily life, and when having to be in a public situation away from their "comfort zone" of being around other homeless people.

All the homeless children were standing in line waiting to go on a water ride at the pumpkin patch. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for them, and they all realized that fact. They were so excited and sort of forgot the fact that they are homeless and being left out of the wonders of being a child.

The line was quite long, and as they got closer to the entrance, one of the boys stepped out of line. I was so mad, and told him get back in line, you are doing this, I already paid $8. for your ticket. He stood there and said "NO", he didn't want to go. I told him not to worry what people might say, or how he felt.. no one really cares who is doing what, or what we look like, this is a world that revolves around us being happy and doing something for fun... he still refused to go. I would not let that happen and kept asking what is wrong, and why would he not go.

Finally he said, I have to take off my shoes and my socks and feet are so dirty. I am ashamed of being here and don't want people to know that I am dirty. Plus, I will get wet and these pants are dirty and they stink when they get wet. OMG... this is the reality these children face daily!! They don't participate in activities because of their lack of hygiene capabilities.

So, I took him to the restroom, helped him clean up and put him back in line. That child laughed and had so much fun.. it was truly a life changing experience for him.

With that said, I want to share what these children face in school.

Most teen girls won't go to school once a week every month because they are not prepared for that time of the month. ($30. will solve that issues). Many teens won't participate in p.e. because they don't have proper hygiene or clean underpants and don't want to change, can't shower after and feel so dirty ($13. will solve that problem)

Most boys won't join after school sports due to the fact they don't have even the basics to participate ($$$ will solve that problem)

There are so many drop outs, those who turn to drugs, or other criminal acts due to lack of SIMPLE solutions that a $20 bill can solve. We have the opportunity to make these changes in these precious lives and help them become part of society in a positive light.

Are you ready to take on a challenge to change the life of a homeless teen? Are you ready to help them succeed and escape their cycle of poverty?
WE NEED YOU!!!

This is something that can be done via social media, emails, or put together as a collection at your place of business, school, group, etc. Every penny does make a difference, and for a few dollars YOU CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE these children deserve.

We are collecting gift cards from Walmart or Target to provide to teens and allow them to purchase items they need when they need them. We are giving them the confidence they deserve to take care of their own lives. Building their self-esteem and helping them to learn to manage thier own situations of struggle.

One step further, you can set up an ongoing collection to sponsor a teen to participate in sports, or for their educational needs.

To get started, please email me your name, mailing address, phone number and your goal. For example, to set up a fundraiser on FB, or collection can, or other fundraiser idea.

I will be able to set up a goal chart that allows people to donate on line, or you can have them send their gift cards to our office.

Other facts about our state of homeless crisis:

• 23,000 children are unsheltered in the state
• 100% of our #homeless children rely on the FREE lunch program as their only daily source of nutrition
• Children will go days without a meal during long holiday breaks
• 100% of homeless children miss at least one day of school per week, and some even more
• 80% of homeless teens will drop out of school BEFORE high school... starting in the 3rd grade
• The average age of a homeless person on the islands is 5 YEARS.. all the homeless combined, children suffer the most

Project Hawai'i, Inc., works hands on with these children. We are not a feeding program, or a once in awhile giveaway program. We are an ongoing monthly program that provides outreach and forms bonds with the families to help them escape their cycle of poverty. Our homeless families participate in a wide variety of activities we provide, including our summer educational program and teen weeks througout the year. Thank you for your time and concern.