Categorized | Business

Conferences to help families in difficult economic times

MEDIA RELEASE

The County of Hawaii is co-sponsoring free workshops and an Asset Building Conference to identify strategies and tools that address poverty, wealth and expand economic opportunities.

On Dec. 9 and Dec. 10, the Asset Building Network Gathering, Poverty Workshop, VITA Training and the Asset Building Symposium called, “Springboard to Prosperity…Building Financial Stability, Wealth & Well-being of Hawaii’s Working Families,” is scheduled at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort.

Today, Hawaii residents face significant life challenges:

* 25% of Hawaii County Households live in asset poverty
* 25% of Hawaii County Households receive food stamps
* 54% of Hawaii County Residents have subprime credit scores
* 49% of Hawaii County homeowners are pay more than 30 percent of their income for their home
* Hawaii has one of the lowest annual wages and highest living costs in the nation

These free workshops will provide a data snapshot of the financial security and stability of Hawaii residents, policy recommendations, an opportunity to increase understanding and sensitivity to the challenges and choices faced by families who are living in poverty, and training on tax preparer certification to assist families with claiming Earned Income Tax and Child Credits that they may be eligible for.

The symposium is a state-wide forum that explores innovative strategies that support island families’ ability to earn and save, invest in learning, obtain affordable housing, or start a business — essential elements to the long-term economic prosperity of Hawaiian Islands.

“We want all Hawaii Island residents to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to take control of their financial health and well-being,” Mayor Billy Kenoi said. “The ability to save, invest in education, to obtain affordable housing, or start a business – in short, investing in success of island people – is what moves families ahead.”

For registration and detailed information, visit www.hacbed.org

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

 

Quantcast