Context
Hawai‘i has the highest rate of unemployment in the U.S. An unimaginable 37% filed for unemployment in April 2020 when the Hawai‘i Stay at Home mandate shut down businesses across the state. The mandate resulted in Hawai‘i having the 2nd lowest rate of COVID-19 infection in the U.S., for which we are grateful and blessed. However, that came with great community sacrifice and hardship for which we were unprepared. Before COVID-19, the Hawai‘i economy was strong and our 2.7% unemployment rate fell far below the national average. Today, more than 1 in 3 Hawai‘i residents are without a paycheck, and many are struggling to put food on the table for the first time. 

The Blessing
HIM brought together the Church in Hawai‘i to bring hope into homes, apartments, living rooms, waiting rooms and computer screens. We want to remind everyone that wherever you are, God is for you. Churches are closed but the hands of the Body of Christ are open, and God desires to wipe every tear.

We are also putting hands and feet to our blessing. Let’s create space right here to be a community that comes alongside our neighbors. Make a gift to Hawai‘i Foodbank to feed those in need in Hawai‘i. Or extend a hand in your own community in a way that is meaningful and measurable. Send us your stories of how the blessing is spreading by emailing stories@himonline.org