HOPE Services hosts annual lunch for East Hawai‘i residents experiencing homelessness

Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale in Hilo was transformed into a hub of support and connection Wednesday as HOPE Services Hawai‘i welcomed 168 people experiencing homelessness to its annual Homeless Luncheon.

It was again a day dedicated to community, connection and essential services for the unsheltered community in East Hawai‘i.

Guests enjoyed a restaurant-quality lunch — with several Thanksgiving favorites — served to the sounds of live music. The event also provided a wide array of vital services, including mobile showers and availability of medical and social service providers.

A key feature of the event was free haircuts offered by volunteer professional hairstylists. Participants were also invited to browse the free boutique, where they could choose clothing and shoes for a fresh look.

The festive atmosphere was bolstered by door prizes, keiki activities and games for all throughout the day.

“I do this work because … I love the people,” said HOPE Services Hawai‘i Director of Outreach and Interim Case Management Carrie Hoʻopiʻi in a release about the annual event. “It hits close to home because I have family and friends and neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, and so if I can be a part of the solution and help to get them housed or help to provide services or just to be there for them to support them where they’re at it’s rewarding for me.”

Hoʻopiʻi said a unique feature of the homeless luncheon is that it can make people feel ready to accept services even if they weren’t before.

“When they are here, they see and experience the services — the joy, the love, the healing that we pour out and the warmth — and it opens them up to receiving services,” she said.

Halonaikaiopuna Fukutomi was born in Hilo, grew up in Southern California and returned home to be near family.

He became homeless after staying in a family member’s garage without electricity, and entered the HOPE Services Keolahou Emergency Shelter at the old Hilo Hospital.

Now Fukutomi lives at HOPE Services permanent supportive housing community on the second floor of the Hilo shelter.

“I went upstairs where I have a room with a door that locks now,” he said while attending Tuesday’s luncheon. “I can see myself working on my housing plan and utilizing the resources and … doing the footwork to acquire that permanent housing with all the resources that we get help with.

“HOPE Services … I canʻt really say Iʻve gotten this far without them.”

Hoʻopiʻi expressed her gratitude for those who gave their time, talent and treasure to make this collaborative event possible for the community.

“We want to give a special shout out to Joyce Ikeda of Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou Church, whose idea it was to begin the Homeless Luncheon 25 years ago,” she said. “Her commitment is what makes this luncheon so special.”

The event highlighted the HOPE Services Hawai‘i mission to make homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring on Hawai’i Island through a comprehensive, compassionate approach.

It brought together staff, volunteers and community partners to create a single point of access for critical resources in a positive and engaging setting.

Community support makes events like this possible. Visit the HOPE Services Hawai‘i website or email to volunteer@hopeserviceshawaii.org to learn how you can get involved.