Old Navy, Project Hawai´i to Support Housing for Big Island Homeless

Old Navy Kona Commons and Project Hawai´i, Inc. have partnered on the Big Island to support our local homeless population.

Project Hawai´i has secured three homes in Kea’au to provide transitional housing for homeless families. Old Navy will raise funds to help with the project, according to a press release from the company.

“Two of the larger homes will be able to house larger families to allow their children the opportunity to have space to grow and learn to be in a family situation,” explained Project Hawaii Director and Co-founder, Magin Patrick. “Our second smaller unit will be used to house our Kupuna with senior housing and be equipped with elderly safe amenities.”

Project Hawai’i was chosen as this year’s project for Humanitarian Experience for Youth. HEFY is a traveling group that typically builds homes and shelters in third world countries. However, due to COVID restrictions, they were forced to
choose a US-based nonprofit. Their group will be sending 20-25 volunteer laborers to help assist on site. Each week, a new team of volunteers arrives working eight hours per day refurbishing the homes.

“This has been a long time vision and dream of ours that is now coming to reality,” said Patrick. “The goal of our program is to be the final stepping stone to a brighter future for our families. This transitional housing project will allow our homeless families to take the first steps to becoming future homeowners.”

“Old Navy is delighted to work with Project Hawai´i again in helping provide transitional housing for our neediest community members,” said John Alwine, general manager at the Kona Commons Old Navy. “Our team is busy raising funds to help feed the awesome volunteers who will be refurbishing these homes.”

There are many ways to contribute to this groundbreaking project: skilled laborers, fundraisers, material donations, volunteer organizers, and meal providers are all needed to see this 10-week project to fruition. Go online for a complete list of opportunities to contribute.