Salvation Army’s Sam LeMar shares updates and plans for growth for Hilo shelter

Capt. Sam LeMar, Officer of the Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps., overseeing the Hilo Overnight Safe Space, says things have been going well since the shelter’s September 2024 launch.

“We have been full every night. It is evident that the need is great, and the shelter is really benefitting the people in this community,” LeMar told Aloha State Daily by email. “Like any new project, it is facing its own unique set of challenges.”

One challenge, he said, is turning people away. “To address this issue, we are planning to expand the shelter to 50 beds.” The site at 219 Ponahawai St. opened with 25 beds.

Another problem is the lot condition on which the shelter sits upon, he said, adding, “Our gravel and dirt lot creates problems with mud, flooding and dust, which increase maintenance expenses and sometimes trigger trauma responses in guests. … To solve this, we hope to grade and asphalt the area, which will require additional funding.”

Past reporting said the project received two-year funding totaling $1.8 million dollars from the state and county. Initially, $400,000 went toward construction, a shower trailer and hiring 12 staff members.

“We are currently hiring staff to support the shelter expansion to 50 beds. It’s tough work, but the reward of providing a safe place for people to rest is immeasurable,” LeMar told ASD, “While the shelter is simple — cots, porta-potties, a shower trailer, picnic tables — it’s the staff that make the real difference. Their compassion and dedication create a place of hope and dignity.”

The Salvation Army’s mission is “to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in His name without discrimination.” 

He added, “We constantly hear from the community how clean and well-kept the shelter is. Our upkeep is very intentional. We’re located downtown, and we believe it’s important for us to add to the beauty of Hilo — not detract from it. We also want to show that caring for our most vulnerable can be done thoughtfully and with excellence.”

To date, LeMar has had many memorable experiences, which “remind us daily why this work matters,” he said. A few that come to mind are:

•   A young pregnant couple — after she gave birth, we were able to help place them directly into housing.

•   A young man waking up after his first night at the shelter and saying, "That was the best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

•   An 80-year-old kūpuna, who was found hiding under a lifted truck during a rainstorm — we were able to bring her into the shelter for safety.

•   Guests who after being placed into permanent housing, return to volunteer and give back.

“The program is truly working. When we first started, the goal was simple: get people out of the rain, provide a meal and offer them a safe place to rest. Since we opened our doors in September 2024, we have already placed 56 people into housing through the help of our incredible community partners. That’s double our current bed capacity — an amazing accomplishment in just eight months.”

 For more information about The Salvation Army's Hilo Temple Corps., click here.

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