The Office for Social Ministry Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu

Office for Social Ministry, Big Island Branch

Our Mission:

To research, plan and implement specific programs and projects to meet the needs of the poor and marginalized in Hawaii County and to advocate on their behalf. The Office for Social Ministry's mission is based on a four-sided model that incorporates:

1. Direct assistance

2. Education

3. Community development

4. Social Action/Advocacy

Who we are

The Office for Social Ministry (OSM), Big Island Branch, is a unit of the Office for Social Ministry of the Diocese of Honolulu. OSM was originally established as Hawaii Island Catholic Social Ministry on July 15,1986 as part of a Diocesan plan to develop strong local island communities which would reflect the shared experience of responsible decision making in building communities of social service and action.

Programs and Services Provided by BY OSM

The Office for Social Ministry administers several programs based on the four-sided model. Two distinct social ills that OSM has focused on in the last 11 years are hunger and homelessness. OSM's experience with the following programs substantiates the agency's expertise and knowledge in delivering services to the homeless and needy population of the Big Island.

Hawaii Island Food Bank

The Hawaii Island Food Bank (HIFB) has been a project of OSM since 1989. The food bank provides food to over 130 member agencies, which feed the hungry of Hawaii County. Over 7.8 million pounds of food have been salvaged and distributed to the hungry of the Big Island since the food bank began its operations. One point three (1.3) million pounds of food were distributed in 1996 alone. The Food Bank sponsors an annual food drive, the Check Out Hunger fundraising campaign held in conjunction with local grocery stores and retailers, provides speakers to educate community groups and schools about the problem of hunger, and enjoys partnerships with local schools that raise food and hold food drives specifically for the HIFB. Warehouses are located in Hilo and Kona.

Care-A-Van:

Established by OSM in March of 1991, Care-A-Van is a mobile health and social service program that serves the unsheltered homeless population of Hawaii County. In fiscal year 1995-96, Care-A-Van served 1,233 new clients. Care-A-Van is the Big Island's only outreach program for the homeless. Offices are located in Hilo and Kona.

Mobile Care Health Project

In 1996 OSM created the Mobile Care Health Project to provide dental, medical and social services to people in West Hawaii. The Mobile Care project is a joint effort between St. Francis Healthcare System and OSM as well as many community agencies. The project has provided services to over 350 people since January of 1997. Plans are being made to expand the project to East Hawaii.

HALE KOKUA:

The Hale Kokua Program is designed to increase the housing availability for homeless families and individuals through a construction grant program to owners willing to build a new unit or add on to an existing unit and then house a homeless family through a rental assistance and case management program for 5 years.

Emergency Assistance Programs

Emergency assistance programs have been a part of OSM's services since 1991. Various programs offer a number of emergency financial, food, housing, and health care resources to the community on the Island of Hawaii. These programs include the Christmas Clearinghouse Certificate program, the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Operation Rice Bowl, the State Homeless Emergency Grant program and the Weinberg Kokua Fund.

Parish Social Ministry Programs

OSM has a strong parish outreach program on the Island of Hawaii. Numerous parish outreach programs have been established in local communities since 1988. These outreach centers serve the entire community in which they are situated by providing food, clothing, and financial aid. The outreach centers are also the "pulse" of the community and are a way to identify needs so that appropriate programs can be developed. Quarterly network meetings are held to provide in-service opportunities for volunteers, network, and support volunteers. OSM plans and coordinates these gatherings.

The Office for Social Ministry is a Hawaii United Way Agency.

Contact Us:

Carol Ignacio
Diocesan Director, OSM
Executive Director, OSM, Big Island Branch

140-B Holomua Street
Hilo, HI 96720
Phone: (808) 935-3050
Fax: (808) 935-3794
E-Mail Carol Ignacio