Kaua`i Habitat for Humanity Receives $100,000 OHA Community Grant

A volunteer worker on a Kaua`i Habitat for Humanity project. Photo by Anne E. O'Malley

KHFH Accepts Interest Forms for Repair & Renovation Program for Low-income Homeowners

Hanapēpē, Hawai`i, May 30, 2012 – Kaua`i Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce receipt of a $100,000 Community Grant award from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) for home repair and renovation services of 20 qualifying low-income homeowners on Kaua`i.

Under this year-long project, Kaua`i Habitat for Humanity will work with 20 qualified low-income homeowners to address one of OHA’s priorities, “Stability in Housing.” Essential home repairs will allow the homeowners to live in their houses longer and under better conditions. The project also addresses OHA’s strategic results of “Increase in Family Income” by improving the value of their major capital asset, and “Decrease Chronic Disease Rates” by mitigating home environment conditions that adversely affect the health of homeowners and their families.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for low-income homeowners. It’s been almost twenty years now since Hurricane `Iniki and our existing housing stock has deteriorated drastically since then,” said Executive Director Stephen Spears. “Thanks to the generosity of OHA, we are able to make critical repairs to 20 homes for low-income homeowners using our self-build strategy. Homeowners will work alongside staff and volunteers to complete the repairs needed to improve their homes. The scope of work on these projects could include repairs to roofing, siding, flooring, foundations, windows, ramps, doors, plumbing, electrical, and termite treatment. We are excited to begin and are now accepting applications for these 20 slots.”

KHFH encourages Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians to apply.  In addition to the OHA Community Grant, Kaua`i Habitat has received other funding to support this program. To begin the process, homeowners must complete an Interest Form which is available at the KHFH office in Hanapepe or online atwww.kauaihabitat.org under the “Own a Home” tab, “Repair and Renovation Program.” For more information, contact Catherine Shiningstar Ka`auwai at 808-335-0296 ext. 117 or cshiningstar@kauaihabitat.org.