From the streets of Iwilei, one of the most concentrated areas of homelessness in Hawai‘i, Marvin watched Alana Ola Pono Kauhale rise from the ground and held onto a quiet hope that one day he might call it home.
Today, that hope is real.
“I’m living in dignity. And dignity is sweeter than honey right now.”
Now a resident at Alana Ola Pono Kauhale, Marvin understands what it took to make this place possible: the care, the resources, and the people behind it. The Institute for Human Services manages and operates the kauhale. HomeAid Hawai‘i built it in partnership with the State of Hawai‘i.
“My appreciation and gratitude is beyond measure.”
Moved by that gratitude, Marvin is committed to giving back. He helps care for the community, takes pride in the upkeep, and wants others to feel the difference this place makes.
“When we have company, they’ll come in here like, ‘Wowee, yeah, you guys really got it going on.’”
Mahalo, Marvin, for sharing your story.
