“Life was going well before the stay-at-home orders,” says Sonia. “I was making a good living, working at two different restaurants in Waikīkī. My parents instilled a strong work ethic in me, so I feel like something is wrong if I can’t work.”
But these days, Sonia has been unemployed. Both restaurants, which largely serve tourists, opted to close their doors rather than keep take-out services going.
She reached out to the AUW 211 helpline several months ago for financial help with rent and utilities because she couldn’t make ends meet.
“I am so thankful for what AUW has helped me with,” Sonia says. “People are worried about being evicted. Some are single moms who are afraid their lights might get turned off.”
She adds, “People don’t realize there is help available when they call 2-1-1. Rental help, food banks, even shelters for some people. And there’s no shame in reaching out. Everyone needs help sometimes.”
You have an opportunity to show your support for our Hawaiʻi family and friends. Please visit the UH AUW webpage and log in with your UH user/password to donate. You also can obtain a form-fillable pledge (PDF). For instructions/help, visit the UH ePledge page. To earmark your donation toward a specific nonprofit org, visit the AUW Nonprofit Donor Choice booklet.
The Office of Communication Services is this year’s department coordinator for CTAHR donations. For questions, please contact OCS at ocs@ctahr.hawaii.edu or (808) 956-7036. Mahalo for your kōkua.