Repurposed Convention Center houses homeless elderly population
In a heartwarming transformation, an old convent in Honoka'a has been converted into permanent housing for kupuna dealing with homelessness. The renovated convent, now a 10-bedroom home, features three newly updated shared bathrooms, an expansive shared kitchen, and coin-operated laundry.
The blessing of Hale Ulu Lehua, as the new housing unit is named, was attended by over 70 people, including Governor Josh Green, Mayor Kimo Alameda, state Rep. Matthias Kusch, and HOPE Services Hawaii founder Carol Ignacio. Governor Green's coordinator on homelessness, Jun Yang, was also present.
The conversion of the convent was initiated after a meeting between HOPE Services CEO Brandee Menino and the parish's head of council, John "J.J." Andrade, and head of financial council, Brenda DeLuz-Campbell, over a year ago. The large room in Hale Ulu Lehua was sponsored and decorated by DeLuz-Campbell.
Local groups like HFS Federal Credit Union, Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union, Veterinary Associates of Waimea, Waiakea Water, and individual parishioners sponsored and decorated the ten bedrooms.
Ten elders without housing are expected to move into Hale Ulu Lehua in October. Wraparound services and case management will be available to the people who move in, but no new information about these services was provided.
The ramp for mobility-impaired kupuna is still under construction and expected to be completed by October. The renovation and five-year lease on the property were jointly funded by a $250,000 grant from the Oak Foundation Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation and $250,000 from the state's Office of Homelessness and Housing Solutions.
Walter Silva, a resident of HOPE Services Hawaii's Sacred Heart affordable housing, spoke about the positive impact of the housing on his life. Governor Green expressed hope that the kupuna living in Hale Ulu Lehua will never be homeless again. Vince Keelan proposed the idea of the parish cooking dinner for the kupuna living in Hale Ulu Lehua on several occasions.
Hale Ulu Lehua marks the first footprint of HOPE Services in the rural community of the Hamakua Coast. Andrade expressed his gratitude for the partnership and the opportunity to provide a home for the kupuna in need.
No new information about the expected number of kupuna moving into Hale Ulu Lehua in October was provided. However, the transformation of this old convent into a home for the elderly is a testament to the power of community and the compassion of those who strive to make a difference.
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