Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Pope Francis' monthly prayer intention for September 2024 emphasizes the critical connection between the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor. The pontiff highlights that climate disasters such as floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires disproportionately affect impoverished communities. He calls for a multifaceted response—ecological, social, economic, and political—to address these interconnected issues.

Recently, when Hurricane Hone threatened Hawaii, more than two dozen staff members of HOPE Services Hawaii mobilized to assist houseless residents. Despite heavy rainfall causing flooding in areas like East Hawai‘i's Ka‘ū District and Hilo's Bayfront area, HOPE staff continued their efforts throughout the weekend. Brandee Menino, CEO of HOPE Services Hawai’i, expressed her gratitude for the team's dedication: “I sincerely appreciate the compassion and determination of many to ensure vulnerable people were safe.”

HOPE Services Hawai’i outreach teams provided aid to over a dozen individuals in Hilo, including securing temporary shelter for a 74-year-old Kupuna struggling on a muddy cliff. Approximately 30 others chose to remain outside but were given supplies and directions should they decide otherwise. Carrie Hoʻopiʻi, one of HOPE’s outreach team leaders, stated: "We are here to support anyone who needs our help."

Affiliated with the Diocese of Honolulu, HOPE Services Hawaii has consistently responded to natural disasters impacting Big Island’s poor communities. The organization engages in daily outreach through street medicine teams and develops transitional shelters and permanent affordable housing. Currently, it is collaborating with Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on single occupancy rental units and supportive services in Honoka’a.

For further information about HOPE Services Hawai‘i or to support their initiatives, visit www.hopeserviceshawaii.org. To view Pope Francis' full two-minute prayer intention video for September 2024, visit www.popesprayer.va.