By Staff Reports
(HONOLULU) – The Honolulu City Council passed a resolution on Wednesday, September 7, 2022 granting approval to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and Hale Kipa Inc. to continue management of five properties providing permanent housing to low-income kūpuna and at-risk youth.
“It’s hard enough finding a home you can afford in Honolulu, but especially hard finding a home when you have special needs,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “Mahalo to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i and Hale Kipa Inc. for their commitment to continue helping this segment of the population, and mahalo to anyone who makes it their mission lighten the burden of those most in need. We need more helpers in the world, now more than ever.”
The five properties include:
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i
- 710 Kunawai Lane; for low-income kūpuna
- 1027 Lowell Place; for low-income kūpuna
Hale Kipa, Inc.
- 1322 Haloa Drive; transitional housing for youth aging out of foster care
- 91-1015 Maka‘aloa Street; transitional housing for homeless young adults
- 1828-A Makuahine Street; emergency shelter for teenage youth
“During these challenging economic times, these properties will continue to provide affordable housing for seniors on fixed income,” said Stella Wong, Vice President of Programs at Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. “We are grateful for the City and County of Honolulu for allowing us to continue this living option for seniors, as we have done so in the community the past 30 years.”
“We are so pleased to continue working alongside the City and County of Honolulu in providing a safe, nurturing and transformational environment for our young people where they can actualize their potential and social responsibility,” said Venus Rosete-Medeiros, President and CEO of Hale Kipa, Inc. “It is through these kinds of joint efforts and strong partnerships between government and community organizations like ours, that we can continuously strive to make a positive impact in our local communities. It’s a kākou thing.”
The City and County of Honolulu manages 74 special needs properties across the island of O‘ahu through the Department of Community Services (DCS) Community Based Development Division (CBDD). These properties provide much-needed affordable housing, and the majority provide housing and/or emergency shelter for special needs population.