The AMSU (Advanced Medical-Surgical Unit) 5th Floor and ICU (Intensive Care Unit) teams at The Queen’s Medical Center – West Oʻahu recently came together to support Hale Kipa’s youth outreach efforts by collecting personal hygiene items and assembling 100 hygiene kits for PIKO (People Imparting Kindness Outreach).
The donated kits will support PIKO counselors as they connect with unsheltered youth in the community. By meeting young people where they are, counselors work to establish trusting relationships and help connect them with resources and services that can lead to greater stability.
Something as simple as a hygiene kit can play an important role in making that initial connection. In addition to providing youth with essential personal care items, the kits offer PIKO counselors another way to demonstrate care and begin building the trust that is often necessary before a young person feels comfortable accepting additional support.
Based in Kalihi, PIKO provides youth with access to food, clothing, showers, education options, counseling, shelter referrals, housing resources, and other supportive services. Through outreach and ongoing support, the program works alongside youth as they explore options for moving from the streets toward safer and more stable situations.
The generosity of community partners helps make this work possible. By taking the time to collect supplies and assemble 100 hygiene kits, the Queen’s West Oʻahu AMSU 5th Floor and ICU teams are helping Hale Kipa reach youth with practical resources at a time when they may need them most.
Mahalo nui loa to The Queen’s Medical Center – West Oʻahu AMSU 5th Floor and ICU teams for supporting Hale Kipa’s mission and helping us create opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s youth to build safer, more stable futures. ♥
