Originally shared on KITV by Chloe Marklay, click here to read.
HONOLULU, Hawaii (KITV4)– Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Inc. awarded a $50,000 grant to partnering organizations, Partners in Development Foundation and Kinai ‘Eha, to support Hale Ka Hana, a residential workforce housing program.
It’s the first program of its kind in the state and addresses the critical need for young adults before, during, or after incarceration at correctional facilities.
Many youth lack support and a safe place to return to after youth are done completing their sentence. This housing program provides a stable place for youth to receive shelter, food, mental health services and positive mentors.
It’s a 10-bed shelter for young adults ages 18 to 24. They receive training and skill-building so they can prepare for the workforce.
Hale Ka Hana is always in need of donations to continue offering its services.
the money will help support different services such as helping the young adults obtain documents, id’s, drivers licenses, insurance, transportation, and more.
The diversion case manager, Melissa Waiters, says donations like these are necessary for the nonprofit to continue serving the community and changing lives.
“It’s beneficial to our youth to get provided this service so they can re-enter the community and be successful and not go back to system because once they’re in its hard to get out. Not having to fight so hard to secure grant money that has been beneficial to our youth. we can focus more time on them as oppose to finding the resources” shares, Waiters.
Since it opened in 2021, Hale Ka Hana has helped dozens of youth find their purpose and get back out into the community.