HomeAid Hawaii

In the aftermath of unimaginable loss, it’s the unwavering strength of people like Jay Ouanu that reveals the depth of human resilience. Jay has spent the past year finding refuge at Puʻuhonua o Nēnē—a temporary shelter for Maui wildfire survivors. Watch the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gpbhNxTX Located on State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation land, just minutes from Kahului Airport, Puʻuhonua o Nēnē was created through the vision of Josh Green in partnership with Project Vision Hawai'i. Since opening on September 29, 2023, this shelter has offered safety and solace to survivors like Jay, who, despite enduring horrific tragedies, continue to move forward with gratitude. Jay’s journey is a testament to the power of community and the importance of helping one another. It’s stories like his that remind us why we do what we do. Now, in partnership with State of Hawaiʻi, HomeAid Hawaiʻi is transforming Puʻuhonua o Nēnē into a Kauhale village—a place where the spirit of pilina and kuleana will continue to thrive. This new kauhale will feature 125 homes, community buildings with kitchens, a garden, laundry facilities, storage, showers, and more. Jay’s story is a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can build something beautiful together. Kauhale Living is more than just homes; it’s about rebuilding lives and strengthening a community where everyone has the support they need to thrive. #Kauhale #KauhaleLiving

When the world seemed dark, you brought the light. From every corner of the globe, you extended your hand, supporting families who have found stability after a year of uncertainty. You gave children a sense of community and hope for shared futures. We call this aloha. Across 78 countries and from over 5,000 businesses, big and small, more than 240,000 of you came together, showing aloha in its purest form. Because of your generosity, Ka Laʻi Ola is now a beacon of hope, providing a place to call home for many families in need. From the bottom of our hearts, mahalo to each and every donor of Hawaii Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund. #MahaloNuiLoa #MauiStrong #KaLaiOla

On August 9th, we welcomed the first families to Ka Laʻi Ola, Maui’s largest interim housing development for wildfire survivors. This milestone was made possible through the invaluable partnerships and collaborations, including Matson’s generous commitment of $5 million in cargo transportation services to support state and county-backed Maui recovery projects. Matson’s contribution is part of a broader private-sector partnership announced by the State of Hawaiʻi earlier this month, aimed at accelerating the installation of critical infrastructure and providing much-needed housing for those impacted by the Maui wildfires. Ka Laʻi Ola is the first project to benefit from this ongoing support. Since May 2024, this collaboration has enabled us to transport over 143 tons of critical materials, from ground frames and steel for infrastructure to modular housing units. With the continued support of Matson, Inc. and State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, we’re on track to complete the first 270 homes by December 2024, with the remaining 180 units ready by early 2025. As Kimo Carvalho, our Executive Director, put it: “Developing at the scale of Ka Laʻi Ola within a short time period adds significant costs when seeking out-of-state resources, making our partnership with Matson and the Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation a critical asset to this project and HomeAid Hawaiʻi’s business model.” We’re deeply thankful for the trust and support of our partners. If your organization would like to join us in making a difference, please visit https://lnkd.in/gkCvyYzi and contact us. #HomeAidHawaii

On this #NationalNonprofitDay we want to honor our team, volunteers, leaders and partners who make everything we do possible. At HomeAid Hawaiʻi, we are guided by a simple truth: everyone deserves a safe and dignified place to call home. Our work is sustained by the generosity and support of our partners and the community. These connections enable us to continue our mission of building homes and rebuilding lives for those who need it most. Today, we celebrate the many hands and hearts that have joined us on this journey. Together, we’re creating a future where everyone has a place to call home. Mahalo nui loa! 

It’s never too late to support our Maui ʻOhana. Last week marked the anniversary of the devastating August 2023 Maui wildfires. As we remember all of the overwhelming loss, we also recognize that hundreds of displaced families are still without stable housing.    Since the fires, HomeAid Hawaii has been working tirelessly with government and community partners to develop Ka La‘i Ola in West Maui, an interim housing project dedicated to healing this community.    With support from the State of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund, we have prepared the site, set up the homes, and as of last Friday, welcomed our first residents. But our work is not done yet. We still need to provide essential services - such as childcare and healthcare - that will make this a true community. Your help matters; join us in this effort. Donate today to help us rebuild lives: https://lnkd.in/g6XPCn_Y   #Sponsored by HomeAid Hawaii #mauiwildfires #mauifires #mauistrong #lahaina 

One year and one day after such unspeakable loss we gathered to welcome the first families to Ka Laʻi Ola. After a year of challenges and uncertainty, these ‘ohana stepped into a place that will bring some stability and certainty, a place to call home. This marks the start of a new chapter, offering these Lahaina families peace, stability, and the chance to recover and rebuild their lives, here at Ka Laʻi Ola. This first pod of homes is just the beginning, Ka Laʻi Ola will welcome 450 Lahaina families. Meaning "The Place of Peaceful Recovery," Ka La’i Ola truly embodies its name—it stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and the enduring strength of our community. HomeAid Hawaiʻi, our partners and contractors are humbled to our core with this work and ability to fulfill our vision to provide safe and dignified housing. Mahalo nui loa to Governor Green and the State of Hawaiʻi for their trust in delivering stability to our friends and family who have experienced such a life altering event. We are so grateful to everyone who played a part in making this day a reality. Your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated. Welcome to Ka Laʻi Ola! #KaLaiOla #NewBeginnings #MauiStrong

Reflecting on the passing of Twinkle Borge, I’m reminded of her immense heart and unwavering dedication. Our last conversation was filled with her vision and passion for her community. Her tireless efforts to transform Puʻuhonua O Waianae into a place of hope and belonging have deeply inspired me and countless others. Mahalo, Aunty Twinkle, for your incredible spirit and the legacy you've left behind. We will honor your dream and continue to work, striving every day to build a Hawai‘i that embraces and supports all its people. Me ke aloha nui, Kimo

June has been a month of significant progress at Ka Laʻi Ola. Our team has been working tirelessly on multiple fronts to ensure the development stays on track. Here are some highlights: - First delivery of modular homes - Leialiʻi boulder pile processing complete - Building pads for Phase 1-A completed - Honokowai water system infrastructure upgrades started - Temporary offices set up for all teams - Cane Haul Road improvements Read the full June construction update at https://lnkd.in/gfzKq667 #progress #mauiwildfirehousing #kalaiola

125 new tiny home units have been completed! 50 of these units have already been relocated, and with our partners from the County, State, and private sectors, two new Kauhale will open by the end of this month—one in Iwilei on N King St. and another at Cedar Church in Kalihi. By the end of 2024, we will have brought 435 new homes to our State. Next year, as we approach HomeAid Hawai‘i’s 10th anniversary, we aim to bring at least another 325 homes. This is a huge win for Hawai‘i! Mahalo to everyone involved—this work can only be done together. #keepmovingforward #yeswecan #hawaiibeyondhomelessness #progress

Mahalo nui loa, UNLIMITED CONSTRUCTION SERVICES INC., and to all the organizations and individuals who participated in this year’s Laulima Golf Tournament at Poipu Bay Golf Course. Your generosity directly supports our efforts to build homes and rebuild lives for Maui wildfire survivors and those experiencing or at risk of homelessness across Hawaiʻi. We had an amazing time at Hole 7 connecting with many of you and hope to cross paths again in the near future. Remember, we were the tent serving up the banana lumpia. Aloha! #LaulimaGolfTournament #UnlimitedConstruction #HomeAidHawaii #Hole7 #BananaLumpia #3rdAnnual