LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity officials in a press release stated their pleasure with receipt of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant of $58,745 to assist in operation of the island’s only emergency homeless shelter. Native Hawaiians comprise the second-highest
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity officials in a press release stated their pleasure with receipt of an Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant of $58,745 to assist in operation of the island’s only emergency homeless shelter.
Native Hawaiians comprise the second-highest ethnic group of homeless on Kaua‘i, and are the second largest group to access shelter services, these funds will be used to provide them with services at Mana‘olana Emergency Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing in Lihu‘e, the release states.
The funds will be used to help increase their stability in health, housing and social areas.
The Mana‘olana Emergency Homeless Shelter is the only emergency homeless shelter on Kaua‘i and has been in operation since November 2007.
The shelter assists over 200 homeless people per year with beds, dinner meals, showers, case management and supportive services in order to transition them into non-emergency housing.
The shelter is open seven days a week, from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. The transitional housing program at Mana‘olana assists 20 homeless people with temporary housing for up to 24 months, and provides case management, supportive services and classes in the areas such as health, nutrition, financial literacy and budgeting.
For more information about the Mana‘olana Emergency Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing program, contact Fatima Gaboy, program director, at 245-7692 after 5 p.m.