Kahikolu ‘Ohana Hale O Wai’anae

Area of Focus: Homeless
Website: www.hawaiiccc.com

The Hawai`i Coalition of Christian Churches (HCCC) has a major construction project underway that when completed will have 72 rental units, 40 dormitory beds and a resource center.  Kahikolu `Ohana Hale O Wai`anae will own and operate this project.  The program will include emergency and transitional shelter and the services and support to assist homeless people in establishing and maintaining self-sufficiency and long-term housing.

The project’s development continues to move quickly.  HCCC succeeded in assembling sufficient funding and financing to construct the entire project at one time, and Kahikolu `Ohana Hale O Wai`anae has obtained its own 501(c)(3) status.  Kahikolu’s board of directors and advisory board include bankers, an architect, businesspeople, a medical doctor, an attorney, a building industry representative, a fund developer and social service providers.

Construction completion is scheduled for July 2008.  During 2008, Kahikolu will hire staff and finalize partnerships for service provision.  Kahikolu has identified partners to provide outreach and screening services to recruit residents; to run the nursery and preschool; to provide life skills, literacy, and job training; and to provide medical services.

Most homeless programs and transitional housing projects focus on helping the individuals and families.  HCCC and their goals bring an unusual orientation that contributes to healing relationships within the larger Wai`anae community, where the number of homeless living on the beaches is perceived to have negative impacts on the larger community.