Posted on: Monday, October 29, 2001
The September 11th attack
Families face loss of welfare payments
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
In December, welfare reform measures envisioned in better economic times will take effect as the economy struggles following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
In Hawai'i, that means 800 families, all of whom have used up their 5-year lifetime allotment of cash assistance, will be dropped from the rolls before Christmas, said June Shimokawa, United Methodist Church member and retired caseworker for the American Friends Service Committee.
Within six months, she said, the cuts could affect 3,000 families in the state.
"We're in for some miserable times for families on the islands," Shimokawa said. "Many of them will have food stamps and medical care assistance, but they won't have the cash to pay their rent. We're anticipating many of those families will end up on the street."
In order to plan the response of religious organizations, the United Methodist Church is sponsoring a seminar Saturday, Nov. 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1020 South Beretania Street.
Speakers from the state Department of Human Services, experts in immigration law and lawyers from legal aide will address the seminar. Members of families likely to be affected will also speak. Participants will break up into small groups to plan strategy in the second half of the day, comparing notes on what churches have done in the past and deciding how to expand those efforts.
"We want to look at the issues, look at our values and decide what our faith requires of us," Shimokawa said.
Those interested in attending should mail their name, address and telephone number, along with a $10 registration fee to Hawai'i United Methodist Church, Hawaii District Office, 20 South Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96813.
The registration fee includes lunch. Airfare scholarships for representatives of United Methodist churches on Neighbor Islands are available through the church's Hawai'i District Office.
For more information, call June Shimokawa at (808) 732-6791.
