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Office for Social Ministry Website - Resources for Caring During Coronavirus Crisis

August 3, 2020

From the Office for Social Ministry

As the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 continue, we need to remain steadfast in our focus that we are all in this together and we WILL get through this crisis as One ‘Ohana! The OSM website (www.officeforsocialministry.org) offers a wide menu of resources to help all care for each other, and transform our shared vulnerability into the strength of solidarity, as we Witness to Jesus together.                                                                                                                            

FEEDING THE HUNGRY
Many of our food ministries have continued with services essential to the public.  Since most of our pantries are managed by kupuna, many parishes have been forced to shift gears and look to substitute volunteers who are less vulnerable than those at greatest risk of contracting the coronavirus. The OSM website has a complete list Food Ministry Schedule During COVID-19 of the current parish food pantries still in operation.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Funding to provide financial assistance to those impacted by COVID-19 is currently available on all the islands through Catholic Charities Hawaiiand HOPE Services Hawaii.  We are very grateful for all who are working in solidarity at these agencies providing vital aid for rental and utility payments. Temporary public assistance during the pandemic is available on all islands.  See the following links for assistance with child care subsidies and pre-school, applying for Med- Quest and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP also known as EBT or food stamps).

HELPING SENIORS STAY FIT WHILE SAFER AT HOME
There are many resources for our beloved kupuna to stay fit while staying safer at home! For example, the Catholic Charities Hawaii  website offers a variety of online fitness programs for seniors, including exercise classes on zoom designed for those experiencing difficulty with leg strength or mobility. Also sadness and social isolation can have negative health effects and increase the risk of serious health problems. Studies also show a direct correlation between physical exercise and mental health. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) website has an excellent resource page on maintain overall good health at home through Exercise and Physical Activity.

To protect and care for each other as One ‘Ohana, we encourage all to continue practicing Safer at Home-Act with Care policies that include mask-wearing, physical distancing and proper hygiene. The Office for Social Ministry will continue to provide information on resources to transform our shared vulnerability into the strength of solidarity. This is one way we all can Witness to Jesus. MAHALO