My travels are crazy, first a 3-week trip in August to Tanzania, working on video and photos for the nonprofit Friends of Imiliwaha, a board I helped found and serve on. We support efforts to provide education and health care via Sisters Afra and Beatrice and their community. Amazing things have happened and I haven’t been there in 5 years, so a trio of us are heading over there in August (paying our own way).

At the end of September, I plan to go to Hawaii. Funny thing about me — I’m not a tourist and am not excited about going because it’s a much-longed-after vacation paradise (though the volcano is disrupting that industry). I am excited about the opportunity to shine a much-needed light on a growing crisis of family/youth homelessness.

Hawaii is one of two states I’ve not been in. Alaska, here’s looking at you!

Here’s more about my trip, as far as I now know:

Aloha! Help HEAR US — Hawaii Project

HEAR US has been asked by the Hawaii Department of Education’s McKinney-Vento project to film and produce a look at family/youth homelessness in Hawaii. This video will help educators, community leaders, elected officials, human service personnel, government representatives, and the public understand the invisible issue of family/youth homelessness in this vacation paradise.

The grant for this project is modest but fair. All travel expenses need to be paid by HEAR US. In an ongoing attempt to be responsibly frugal, HEAR US is asking for assistance. Any help in these areas will be the equivalent of donating a significant amount of money. (HEAR US is tax-exempt and donations tax-deductible as allowed by law.)

Dates — Tentatively Sept. 30 — Oct. 20, 2018

Air Travel — Anyone with air travel miles?

Lodging — I’m a quiet, low-maintenance guest (used to staying in my little van, not feasible for this trip). I’m hoping to find a room with minimal access to kitchen where I can sleep and use as “home base” while on the big island. Other island travel TBD, and a similar request will be made for those visits. (References available from those familiar with my meager housing usage.)

Vehicle — I’ll need a vehicle to travel around, and I’m used to driving a wide range of vehicles, automatic and stick, old and modern, fancy and basic, large and small. (Driving references available from those who’ve loaned me a vehicle over the years.)

Gas — Gas cards will be appreciated!

Recognition — Donors will be mentioned on the film project website and/or in film credits.

For more information or to arrange a donation, contact me, diane@hearus.us.

Thanks!