Sept. 11 aid program to end

By Brandon Masuoka
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Salvation Army's financial assistance program that helped hundreds of O'ahu families who were hurt by the economic downturn after the Sept. 11 attacks is expected to end at the end of the month.

Salvation Army officials say the program has accomplished its goal.

But economic troubles from the Sept. 11 fallout still exist and help is still needed to prevent future problems such as homelessness, an Aloha United Way official said.

Since September, the Salvation Army has distributed nearly $400,000 in financial assistance to more than 400 families unable to pay rent and utilities. A $250,000 grant from the state and additional money from local foundations helped support this effort, said Maj. Ralph Hood, divisional commander for Hawai'i and the Pacific.

"During the last few weeks, we've seen a significant reduction in the number of people coming to us for assistance," Hood said. "This is a promising sign that people who lost their jobs are getting back or finding new employment."

An average of seven people per day sought assistance from the Salvation Army between December and February, said Chad Buchanan, coordinator of the Salvation Army's Family Services Office which oversees the assistance program. That figure dropped to about one or two people a day in March and April, Buchanan said.

"We have seen people from all walks of life including janitors, electricians and even business owners who saw their incomes disappear," Buchanan said. "Without help, many of them might be homeless today."

Hood said the program's goal was to keep O'ahu residents from becoming homeless by helping them pay rent and other bills.

He noted that the rebound in Hawai'i's travel industry is likely to improve conditions throughout the state.

"If the air travel is increasing here, then it just has a ripple effect throughout the whole industry," Hood said. "(Employers are) going to need full staffs at the restaurants and hotels, and so forth."

The Salvation Army will end the program when the remaining $30,000 it has from its state grant runs out, but it is not expected to happen until the end of the month, Buchanan said. Hood said the organization will continue to try to help those in need after the program ends.

Any O'ahu resident who lost employment or whose work hours were significantly cut after Sept. 11 may ask for rent or utility assistance. Previous recipients may reapply after 60 days.

To apply for assistance, call the Salvation Army's Family Services Office at 845-2544. The office is in Suite 9 at 810 N. Vineyard Blvd.