U.S. Vets Hawai‘i expands West O‘ahu operations

U.S. Vets Hawai‘i’s second kauhale, or a small village of tiny homes funded by the state, is slated to open in Wai‘anae on Feb. 10, Executive Director Tanya Brown said.

The Kūlia i Ka Nuʻu kauhale will provide residents with emergency shelter, food and health care services, in addition to case management, workforce integration, counseling support and other resources.

“Managing something like this is not new to us. This project is unique in that it supports permanent housing for 12 families, in addition to 19 beds for emergency respite, for individuals and families to heal and stabilize,” Brown said. “The need is so great, we already have a waitlist for the program.”

A Jan. 23 blessing ceremony marked the opening of the $1.2-million Kūlia i Ka Nuʻu kauhale, which is the state’s 18th kauhale located at 85-296 Ala Hema St. Since 2020, U.S. Vets Hawai‘i has also overseen Kamaʻokū Kauhale for veterans in Kalaeloa.

"We predominantly serve local families,” Brown said, adding that its existing shelter at Pai‘olu Kaiʻaulu in Wai‘anae was over capacity. The new kauhale is “an extension of our services and our presence will contribute to elevating this community,” she added.

Adopting Kūlia i Ka Nuʻu kauhale has also helped grow the U.S. Vets’ staff. “It has expanded positions. We’re almost full, just looking to hire one more case manager.”

The organization also thrives off help from partners and volunteers. Brown said, “We believe everyone has purpose and brings value, whether they are contributing their time or talent.”

She noted, donations also help further the U.S. Vets Hawai‘i’s mission. “Funding for the kauhale projects comes from the state of Hawai‘i; and 85 cents of every dollar goes directly toward our residents,” Brown said.

According to its 2023 impact report, U.S. Vets Wai‘anae's annual budget is more than $5 million, with the majority of funds earmarked for housing. Of the thousands of individuals served each year, hundreds have gone on to find permanent housing and jobs, the report noted.

“Creating a sustainable place for our people is something we’ve learned being a part of the Wai‘anae community for 18 years. It’s important to prioritize our partnerships with other organizations and volunteer groups that will help us continue this work,” Brown said.

U.S. Vets Hawai‘i is a veteran-centric organization that got its start in California, she said. In 2003, a local office in Barber’s Point was opened, followed by the U.S. Vets Wai‘anae Civic Center in 2007 – the first site to provide services to both veterans and civilians.

Save the date
Who: For service providers, businesses, community groups to tour the new kauhale and learn about the referral process
What: Open House at Kūlia i Ka Nuʻu
Where: 85-296 Ala Hema St., Wai‘anae
When: Friday, Feb. 7 at 11 a.m.

CONTACT
Tanya Brown, U.S. Vets Executive Director, Wai‘anae
Referral phone number: 808-462-0280
Website: usvets.org/locations/waianae

Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.