Parents and Children Together  (PACT) and Better Tomorrows – two nonprofits rooted in the community at the Towers at Kuhio Park – hosted a well-organized outdoor and in-person Resources and Job Fair for residents on December 2. The fair was an opportunity for residents, impacted by the pandemic, to access the job market and introduce both employers ready-to-hire and resources needed to bolster their capacity to work. Tower residents reflect a diverse population, including newly emigrated Pacific Islanders, some who have limited English proficiency and who prefer the comfort and familiarity of close-by work locations.

The Honolulu Field Office (HFO) invited Community of Partners to help deliver both resources and employment opportunities at the Fair. The American Job Center (HUD’s EnVision Center), University of Hawaii Community Colleges, the Hawaii State Department of Human Services, Goodwill, and the Pacific Gateway Center all offered services and employment opportunities.

HFO Field Policy Management, including Fielf Office Director Ryan Okahara and Community Planning and Development (CPD) staff, including CPD Honolulu Director Mark Chandler, also volunteered to help with the set-up of tents, traffic-control, and interview tents.

  To remain in compliance with the City and County of Honolulu, all attendees were required to present a full vaccination card or negative COVID-19 test to receive an ID wristband for entry. The final count included 72 fair participants with 65 selecting and receiving clothing for their job interviews – at least two were hired on the spot!

Reprinted from the HUD Happenings – US Department of Housing & Urban Development

Story by: Ramona Mullahey, HUD Senior Management Analyst, Region IX