HONOLULU (HI Now) - Two Hawaii-based organizations are coming together to address one of the state’s most pressing challenges, homelessness and the lack of affordable housing. Kimo Carvalho, CEO of Homeaid Hawaii, and Jalene Kanani, CEO of Noho Home, appeared on HI Now to discuss their growing collaboration and the impact it is having across the islands. Homeaid Hawaii builds deeply affordable housing for people experiencing a housing crisis, whether due to homelessness, natural disasters, or other hardships, through a model they call Kauhale, a concept rooted in the traditional plantation-era village lifestyle of Hawaii’s past.
In just three years, Homeaid Hawaii has opened 26 Kauhale communities, housing over 2,000 people statewide. Their newest community, Waimanalo Village, features 20 tiny homes and will welcome local Waimanalo residents beginning the first of the month. Carvalho noted that the data is beginning to reflect real progress, more people are moving into housing and shelters, and fewer are living on the streets. He emphasized that by bringing people together and establishing pilina (connection) and community, residents are achieving upward economic mobility, transforming their lives, and paying rents they can actually afford.
The partnership with Noho Home has added a creative and cultural dimension to the initiative. Jalene Kanani developed an exclusive line of prints inspired by the Kauhale mission, featuring ohe kapala-styled patterns now available as part of Noho Home’s Legacy of Aloha Collection, including pillows, table runners, and plant pots. The products, made with the same high-quality, stain-resistant materials used in hotels, are designed to spark conversation about community and giving back. They are available now at KauhaleCollection.com and at the Noho Home store at Ala Moana Center. Those interested in volunteering or learning more can visit Homeaidhawaii.org.
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