Salvation Army Hilo overnight safe space doubles in size, capacity

The Salvation Army hosted a formal dedication Aug. 22 at its Hilo Temple Corps in downtown Hilo, marking the expansion of its Hilo overnight safe space, which has doubled in size and capacity since it opened a year ago.

An additional 25 beds are now available for those in need, with the shelter ready to serve up to 50 overnight guests on a first-come-first-served basis.

The dedication at the end of last week further recognized the significant impact the shelter has had since opening at the end of August 2024 to assist houseless community members on Hawaiʻi Island.

Hilo Temple Corps Officer and Hawaiʻi Island Coordinator Capt. Sam LeMar welcomed guests with remarks that provided a snapshot of the lives touched through the shelter and its partners.

The Hilo overnight safe space, to date, has provided:

• 8,231 meals.
• 3,335 showers.
• And served 382 individuals — with kūpuna making up nearly 30% of the overnight guests.

Beyond the numbers, there are individual human stories of how the facility adjacent to the Hilo Temple Corps building and across the street from Downtown Laundry Express has made an impact in the community.

A young couple — just weeks away from giving birth — found refuge at the safe space and was housed as soon as their baby arrived.

Another individual fled an abusive relationship and was able to find safety and shelter at the overnight safe space for a few nights until they could relocate.

A young woman in her 20s — facing her first night without a roof over her head — came to the Hilo overnight safe space instead of staying somewhere on the streets. She now has housing and a job.

Dedication attendees also heard lived testimony from a gentleman known as Uncle Rick, who first found stabilization at the shelter, then housing and now volunteers at the Hilo overnight safe space to give back to others in need.

Among guests and program speakers at the dedication event were:

• Hawaiʻi County Mayor Kimo Alameda.
• Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green’s Coordinator on Homelessness Jun Yang.
• The Salvation Army’s Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Commander Maj. Troy Trimmer.
• Keynote speaker The Salvation Army Western Territory Chief Secretary Col. Eddie Vincent.