In March 2020, Hawaii prisons went on Coronavirus lockdown. We were barred from going in to teach and mentor, so we continue to send in weekly One-Page Dharma messages and nutritious snacks (see sub-page under Compassion in Action - Prison Dharma). As the virus surges and re-surges, causing great suffering throughout the community, we are finding other ways to practice Compassion in Action beyond the prisons.

Outreach to Local Homeless Teens

Underwear for Underserved Youth

In December 2020, Katog Mati Ling offered a COVID-safe opportunity to help our homeless youth population, with RYSE (Residential Youth Services & Empowerment).

RYSE , a 501(c)(3) organization, operates a center where Hawai‘i’s street youth are assessed and referred to appropriate support services. Youth in the target range of 18-24 have access to a safe temporary living space specifically designed to address their unique needs. The access center offers coordinated programs and services to build a path towards reintegration into mainstream society. Last year Ryse serviced over 200 youths both at their facility and with outreach.

With friends in the community, we donated over 200 pieces of new underwear to RYSE. Underwear is a rare donation for the homeless population and a much-appreciated gift to this underserved group. In addition to supplying the continuous cycle of residents, underwea is taken to 18- 24-year-olds living on the street as an introduction to Ryse.

Feeding Hawaii's Homeless Teens

Earlier in 2020, some of our sangha made sandwiches for hungry homeless teens at Waikiki's Youth Outreach Drop-in Center.