Expanding Hope at Ho‘okahi Leo Kauhale

H3RC recently celebrated the blessing of Phase 2 of Ho‘okahi Leo Kauhale, a significant milestone in our commitment to ending homelessness with compassion and dignity. Located in Kalihi, Ho‘okahi Leo Kauhale is a transformational tiny home village that provides safe, supportive housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Since welcoming its first residents in 2024, the community has become a place where people can find not only shelter, but stability, healing, and hope.

The completion of Phase 2 adds 30 new homes, bringing the village to a total of 50 homes and allowing H3RC to serve even more residents. Every home represents a new opportunity for someone to build their life in a safe, supportive community.

At Ho‘okahi Leo Kauhale, housing is just the beginning. H3RC provides comprehensive wraparound services that address the many challenges individuals face on their journey toward stability. Residents have access to behavioral health services, case management, employment and job readiness support, benefits navigation, and connections to healthcare and community resources. H3RC's Medical Mobile Unit also visits the village each week, providing essential medical services directly where residents live.

The blessing ceremony brought together community leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate what this expansion means for Hawaiʻi. We extend a special mahalo to Governor Josh Green, whose vision for kauhale communities began more than a decade ago. Long before the first home was built, Governor Green met with H3RC Executive Director Heather Lusk and other community leaders to discuss how kauhale, paired with comprehensive supportive services, could transform lives and create a new approach to addressing homelessness in Hawaiʻi. Today, that vision continues to become a reality through the collective efforts of HomeAid Hawaiʻi, the State of Hawaiʻi, our community partners, donors, volunteers, and everyone who helped make Phase 2 possible.

At H3RC, we believe that Housing is Healthcare. Safe, stable housing creates the foundation for better physical health, improved behavioral health, stronger communities, and brighter futures. The expansion of Ho‘okahi Leo Kauhale is more than 30 new homes—it is 30 new opportunities for individuals to heal, build, and thrive.