The site of the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina was cleared from debris by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Emergency Management Administration. Photo courtesy Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center

With $8 million committed to providing emergency shelter and affordable housing in Lahaina, a Maui group is moving forward to rebuild at the Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina following the 2023 fire.

Through its Maui Strong Fund, the Hawai’i Community Foundation has committed up to $8 million toward the project.

“It’s very exciting,” said Sue Sadecki, the center’s executive director. “This grant is more than funding — it’s a foundation for hope.”

Center officials found this painted stone with the word “Hope” left on the site. Photo courtesy Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center

Sadecki said she’s looking forward to working with the government entities and nonprofits to complete the fundraising for the project.

She added that the center, which operates as a nonprofit, is in talks with various groups, including the Federal Emergency Management Administration, about available funding.

The center plans to rebuild 120 units to accommodate more than 300 people. Sadecki said two preliminary initial quotes for the cost of construction ranged from $60 million to $70 million.

The complex, located mauka of the county swimming pool in Lahaina, included two-bedroom affordable rental housing units, a men’s dormitory, a women’s dormitory, studio units and two-bedroom units for families experiencing homelessness.

The center provided shelter for some families as large as 10 to 11 people as well as single parents with children and individuals, some of whom required medical respite as they recovered from physical injuries.

The Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina was destroyed in the 2023 Lahaina wildfire. Center officials are moving forward with rebuilding plans and have a commitment from the Hawaii Community Foundation through its Lahaina Strong Fund for $8 million. Photo courtesy Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center

“The goal of the program is to have outreach to get them into a shelter and get them from the shelter into permanent housing,” Sadecki said.

The center also provided a common kitchen for meals, as well as a kitchen in each unit. Sadecki said the center helps clients to put together a permanent housing plan and find child care for single parents.

She said the center has been fortunate to receive assistance from various groups who have helped in the past to provide and serve meals.

“We’re definitely community based,” she said.