When “Lois” called AUW’s 211 Helpline, she wasn’t sure she was going to receive any assistance. “I thought the only time we could call was for food or shelter, but I saw a poster and thought I would try.” This is a common response, but the more than 4,000 resources available through the AUW 211 Helpline cover such a wide area, it’s better to call than try to find something on your own.

Lois called for help with her taxes. “I didn’t know where to go this year,” she said. With a limited income and few resources, she needed to find help. The AUW 211 Specialist was able to refer Lois to multiple free tax clinics and resources. VITA, otherwise known as Voluntary Income Tax Assistance, is available for eligible Hawai’i residents. The Specialist went on to provide specific information for Lanakila MP Senior Center for which the caller was eligible. Additional information is available at www.hawaiitaxhelp.org or by calling AUW’s 211 Helpline from anywhere in the state.