Despite all of the challenges they faced… they never gave up.
Despite all of the challenges they faced... they never gave up.
Lani and Kekoa, parents of seven children, never imagined they would face homelessness. Returning to Hawai‘i a few years ago to be closer to family, they rented a small apartment, with plans to save up for a larger place. Kekoa found employment, while Lani cared for their young children. Without warning, Kekoa was diagnosed with stomach cancer leaving him unable to work, putting them in an immediate difficult financial situation. They exhausted their savings and were facing homelessness when a concerned neighbor shared that Catholic Charities Hawai‘i might be able to help.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s Housing Placement Program, which assists families like Lani and Kekoa’s who are at risk of homelessness with temporary financial assistance and case management, provided them with the necessary support to cover a month’s rent and an overdue utility bill. Despite the challenges that followed, including temporary homelessness, their Catholic Charities Hawai‘i case worker remained committed to assisting the family in finding another rental home that met Section 8 safety standards. Today, Kekoa is still undergoing cancer treatments, but the family has a home and is grateful for the support they received during their hard times.
Lani shares, “It was really scary. We were so worried about keeping our family together and it really affected our children. By the grace, Catholic Charities came through it all with us. I can’t believe that we made it this far.”
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i offers over 40 programs and services through direct assistance, education, outreach and advocacy aimed at building a resilient community and uplifting those impacted by homelessness, mental health and poverty by providing hope and pathways to a brighter tomorrow.
Join Catholic Charities Hawai‘i in our efforts to provide a helping hand to those who need it most in Hawai‘i.
In Hawai‘i, an estimated 29% of residents are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) and 15% are living in poverty.