Rotary donates $24,000 to shelter for water containers
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Maui Rotary Club members have donated $24,000 to fund water supplies and mobility assistance at the Pu'uhonua o Nene shelter for houseless individuals.
The Kahului shelter opened in late September and can house up to 150 Maui wildfire survivors who were experiencing homelessness before the disaster. It is operated by the nonprofit Project Vision in collaboration with the state Department of Human Services.
Rotary District 5000 members applied for and were awarded a Rotary International Disaster Response Grant for $24,000. The funds helped purchase six 3,000-gallon water containers for dispensing drinkable water, which was not previously available at the facility. With mobility-challenged residents also facing access issues to the medical facilities, showers and restrooms, the funds also bought a golf cart with a power lift so the residents could be transported safely from place to place.
Rotary District 5000 Maui Assistant Gov. Dr. Allan Weiland presented the $24,000 check to Bob Wardlaw, director of social services at the shelter. The district plans to continue supporting the facility, which Wardlaw indicated would add another structure soon to house more clients.
"Our team worked around the clock to set up this shelter," Project Vision Hawai'i Executive Director Darrah Kauhane said in a news release. "We are grateful for the opportunity to support our state and Maui wildfire survivors at Pu'uhonua o Nene with kokua from our community partners, Maui Rapid Response and Maui Medics Hui. This type of work is a great example of our holistic approach to healing through health, culture, wellness, and acceptance."