Habitat for Humanity Maui Expands to Lāna’i

Lānaʻi. Photo courtesy: Office of Council Services.

Habitat for Humanity Maui has been approved by Habitat for Humanity International to increase its geographical service area to not only encompass Maui but to also include the island of Lāna’i.

Organization representatives say the expansion will allow Habitat for Humanity Maui to provide affordable housing and renovations for Lāna’i families and further address the issue of homelessness and substandard housing beyond the island of Maui.

Habitat is currently building a home for a family on Lāna’i but expects to build or renovate many more.

“The Lāna’i community is special and we are so excited to expand our program to include the wonderful people of Lāna’i” said Sherri K. Dodson, Executive Director. “We have wanted to do more projects there and this official expansion recognized by Habitat for Humanity International will give us the opportunity to do more for the community”, said Dodson.

Organization representatives say the expansion also serves as an opportunity for Lāna’i residents and organizations to get involved and contribute to resolving the issue of homelessness and substandard housing throughout their community.

“With the help of Habitat for Humanity Maui, Lāna’i residents struggling with substandard housing and homelessness will now be able to improve their living conditions as well as become successful homeowners,” according to organization leaders.

Habitat for Humanity Maui was incorporated in 1996 and officially became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1997.

To date, Habitat has built and renovated over 100 houses on Maui, Moloka’i and Lāna’i,  providing homes for over 500 people in the community.

The organization’s mission is “to build decent housing and to renovate substandard housing on Maui in partnership with community volunteers and potential homeowners so that homelessness and substandard housing on Maui is eliminated.”