A new temporary emergency shelter called Na Lamakū made up of 18 “tiny homes” was constructed on Saturday at the back entrance to Old Airport Park. More than 50 volunteers, including Hawaii County Fire Department active duty members, retirees and recruits, workers from HPM Building Supply, the West Hawai‘i Rotary Clubs and HOPE Services Hawai‘i, helped Tinguely Development get the little homes completed. Hawaii County Council member Rebecca Villegas and County Deputy Managing Director Barbara Shim Kossow also were on site to help.
The temporary shelters, measuring 10 x 8 feet each, will be ready for occupancy this week and will accommodate individuals experiencing homelessness. Each unit can house up to two people. Community outreach teams are working to identify and engage with eligible individuals, who could number up to 30 people. There will also be an on-site manager. The plan is that eventually, the individuals staying there will move up to an as-yet-to-be-built housing development near West Hawaii Civic Center.
“We are so grateful for the tremendous generosity of Tinguely Development, who’s working on the pre-construction work pro bono,” said Mayor Harry Kim. “They tell us they’re doing this to give back to the community, and we deeply appreciate it.”
The facility is being built with State and Federal assistance, which will pay for operation costs of an estimated $150,000.
HOPE Services Hawai‘i is working in partnership with other social service agencies to deliver 24/7 shelter monitoring services, delivery of “grab & go” meals, and the coordination of on-site mental and behavioral health services. They will also provide case management to connect program participants to appropriate permanent housing.
Photos courtesy County Council Member Rebecca Villegas, including the home building in progress, the building team, and Hawaii County EMS Fire Captain Mike Lam with Rebecca Villegas:
