#Department of Human Services
Big Island woman on mission to establish housing, programs for keiki in need
Humanity Hale was created to provide healing through therapy and a variety of programs for kids and teenagers who have been abused or neglected, bullied, orphaned, living in broken homes or foster care — many of whom are dealing with depression, anxiety and self-harming.
‘Huge relief’: SNAP policy change will help tens of thousands of additional Hawai‘i families
Hawai‘i will eliminate the “net income limit” for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, commonly called food stamps, which could extend benefits to 13,000 to 14,000 more households throughout the state by next year.
Preschool Open Doors now accepting applications year-round
Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who is serving as Acting Governor, joined the state’s Department of Human Services to announce that the preschool tuition subsidy program, Preschool Open Doors, is now accepting applications on a year-round basis. A
‘Ohana Day joins 22 keiki with their Forever Families
Adoptions and guardianships that move children out of foster care, or prevent their removal into foster care, were finalized on Nov. 17.
Gov. Green, Department of Human services appoint new DHS 2nd Deputy Director
Most recently, appointee Trista Speer served as a Deputy Attorney General in the Public Safety Division of Hawai‘i’s Department of the Attorney General, where her practice involved serving as an attorney advisor for the Department of Public Safety and Department of Law Enforcement, as well as representing Department of Public Safety and the state of Hawai‘i in various litigation matters.
Mother’s Day also celebrated by women who foster children needing a loving home
Since 2020, the Omerod family has taken in more than 20 foster children and counting from East Hawaiʻi. Michelle Omerod said: “God knows it’s not easy,” but added it’s rewarding.
State funding application for preschool tuition extended to Friday
The Department of Human Services is extending its application deadline for families seeking funding to send keiki to preschool for the 2023-24 school year.
UH Mānoa project addresses low pay for early childhood educators in Hawaiʻi
“People make more money working [in fast food] than in early childhood education. This is a disservice to staff who work hard daily and a disservice to children.” — a licensed center director in a UH Manoa report
Governor Ige Continues Emergency Food Benefits that Began during Pandemic
Emergency food benefits through the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are being extended in Hawaiʻi to Nov. 18, 2022.
Preschool Open Doors Program Accepting Applications
Funds are limited, so DHS encourages families to apply as soon as possible.
State to Hold Workshops on Improving Homeless Outreach Services
The State Procurement Office and Department of Human Services will hold a workshop for providers of homeless outreach services and homeless housing programs that are interested in providing services in rural areas.
Chinen Named to OYS Lead Role
For more than 25 years, Merton Chinen has worked at the Department of Human Services.
Ige Accepts $660K in Recognition of State’s SNAP Program
The award was provided in recognition of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and the Department of Human Services’ Benefits, Employment and Support Services Division.
DHS Med-QUEST Names New Administator
The Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division has named a new Administrator in Dr. Judy Mohr Peterson.
