Project Visions’ Hiehie Celebrates 1st Anniversary

File Courtesy photo: Kaiser Permanente

Project Vision’s Hiehie program celebrated its one-year anniversary of providing showers to Hawaiʻi’s homeless.

At least unique 650 individuals experiencing homelessness in Hawaiʻi have benefited from this program over the past year. There is one mobile shower unit on Oʻahu, and a second one was placed on Hawaiʻi Island in Nov. 2018.

“This program’s mission is to cleanse the mind, body, and spirit to refresh dignity to people experiencing homelessness, and find the way home. ” said Elizabeth “Annie” Valentin, executive director for Project Vision Hawaiʻi. “Our staff, volunteers and clients are deeply appreciative of the donations and overall support we’ve received from businesses, nonprofits and government agencies that helped bring this critical service to Hawaiʻi residents.

The one-year celebration took place at Kawaiahao Church on Punchbowl Street.

More than 60 people attended the event, including 20 people in need of the facility, elected officials, volunteers, Project Vision staff and donors.

“Hiehie not only offers a hot shower, but offers a space for a conversation with services providers that can lead to an exit from homelessness,” Valentin added.

For more information about Project Vision and their programs, visit: projectvisionhawaii.org.