Community Comes Together to Build Tiny Homes for Puna Evacuees

Habitat for Humanity Hawaii teamed up with Hope Services, Scared Heart Church and community members and organizations to build tiny homes as temporary housing for residents impacted by the Kīlauea eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone.

Andrew’s Fencing stretching fencing materials for the fence that will enclose the temporary housing community of tiny homes for Puna residents who have been affected by the eruption at Kilauea’s Lower East Rift Zone, June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard

Community volunteers came together June 9, 2018, to help build 21 tiny homes for Puna residents who have been living in shelters since early May. PC: Crystal Richard

Community members prep a tiny home for paint, while two other volunteers install a doorknob during the community work day for a temporary housing project for Puna evacuees, June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard

Tiny homes for a temporary housing project in Pahoa for the Puna residents who have been displaced due to the eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea, June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard

Hope Services and Habitat for Humanity say mahalo the community for donating materials, time, energy and skills for the Tiny Homes Project for Puna evacuees, June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard

Community members turned out to volunteer their time and skills to help build 21 transitional homes for Puna evacuees.

The site—a lot behind Sacred Heart Church—consists of 21 tiny homes, a common area in a pavilion, bathrooms and showers.

HPM Building Supply donated 21 10-by-12-foot sheds to be used as temporary housing.

“With so many hands, so many agencies and community help, it’s going crazy and coming together, so it’s awesome,” stated Bronson Haunga from Haunga General Contracting.

He said they hope to have the project competed by June 15, 2018.

Sterling Lindsey said he and a group of friends came to Pāhoa to volunteer.

They were among approximately 150 others who came out to volunteer their skills and time.

“There is lots of room to help,” said Haunga. “All next week there are projects going on. If you have ever thought about giving service and ministering to people who are in need, now is the time.”

For more information on how to get involved in Habitat for Humanity’s recovery efforts for Puna, visit www.habitathawaiiisland.org, where volunteers can sign up specifically for Puna recovery projects and/or donate to the recovery fund.

In addition to volunteer efforts, Habitat for Humanity is asking for donations of funds and supplies that are needed to aid in the recovery efforts.

Listed below are the most need items at this time:

• Bottled Water
• Bags of Rice
• Coolers
• Food Storage Containers
• Large Clear Plastic Containers with Lids to Protect Belongings
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Foldable Futons
• Mosquito Spray
• Food: Canned or Non-Perishable
• Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Dry Shampoo
• Soap
• Baby Soap
• Diapers
• Wipes
• Deodorant
• Feminine Products
• Razors/Shaving Cream
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Plates
• Napkins
• Plastic Ware
• Laundry Soap
• Dish Soap
• Band Aids
• Clean Towels, Blankets, Pillows
• Socks
• Slippers
• Pet Supplies
• Gas Masks
• Tents and Pop-up Tents
• Gift Certificates

All of these items can be dropped off at any of Habitat for Hawai‘i’s three ReStore locations in Kona, Waimea and Hilo.

• Kona at 73-4161 Ulu Wini Place, Bay 1
• Waimea at 65-1259 Kawaihae Road
• Hilo at 863 Iolani Street

Funds can be donated online to aid in the long-term recovery of homes destroyed by the lava.

In addition to the tiny homes, crews were building two bathrooms and shower facilities. One bathroom is seen here and the other will go in the open space on the right-hand side. June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard.

Hope Services, Habitat for Humanity and members of the community came together to build 21 tiny homes for a temporary housing project for residents who have been evacuated due to the Kilauea eruption. PC: Crystal Richard

Community volunteer day, June 9, 2018, building tiny homes for Puna evacuees impacted by the Kilauea Eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone. PC: Crystal Richard

Approximately 150 community members came together to build tiny homes on a lot behind Sacred Heart Church, to provide temporary housing for residents of Puna who have been evacuated due to the eruption in the Lower East Rift Zone of Kilauea, June 9, 2018. PC: Crystal Richard