PRINCEVILLE — In support of flood relief efforts on the North Shore, the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay has donated $26,433.10 to Kauai Habitat for Humanity.
“After several supporters asked us to direct their donations to a worthy organization, Habitat for Humanity was, for us, a logical choice,” said Club President Ben Gillikin.
The sizable contribution will help facilitate repairs to low-income households damaged by this spring’s devastating floods.
“Families want to get back to some normalcy of life,” said Chris Young, community relations coordinator for Kauai Habitat for Humanity.
However, access to remote worksites continues to be a challenge. Road closures, long commutes and lack of housing for volunteers are ongoing difficulties.
But generous donations from people and organizations like the Rotary Club have facilitated the appointment of residents to construction lead and service coordinator positions, which oversee projects in the area.
The extent of needed work is progressively becoming clear. At present, a wide array of damages are being evaluated while people apply to Habitat for Humanity for help.
Foundation and drywall work, already underway, are among the numerous fixes indicated by Executive Director Stephen Spears. At least 10 additional jobs are being assessed in the area, some requiring major rebuilding — a process that is likely to last a few years.
With seasons changing and hurricanes looming, the essential efforts of community-centered organizations like the Rotary Club and Habitat for Humanity are thrown into the limelight.
Those wishing to get involved can look up their local chapter of the Rotary Club online through rotary.org or contact Young through kauaihabitat.org.
