Hawaiʻi Pacific Health gives $100,000 to Family Promise of Hawaiʻi for security deposit program

Hawaiʻi Pacific Health has awarded $100,000 to Family Promise of Hawaiʻi to help families with children experiencing homelessness or housing instability cover security deposits, according to an Oct. 29 announcement.

The nonprofit will use the money to launch its Move-In Advance Program. Under the program, Family Promise of Hawaiʻi will pay a family’s security deposit up front, and the family will repay the nonprofit in affordable monthly installments, according to the announcement. Repayments will go back into the program to help other families.

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi says a security deposit is among the biggest obstacles for families trying to leave shelter for a home of their own. The program is intended to remove the need to save a lump sum before moving in.

Michael Robinson, Hawaiʻi Pacific Health’s vice president of government relations and community affairs, said a home “makes a meaningful difference in a person’s life and future,” and that is why the health system is supporting the program. Stable housing, education and access to healthy food all play significant roles in well-being, he said.

According to the announcement, figures from the latest Point-in-Time Count show the number of children and parents experiencing homelessness on Oʻahu rose nearly 20% between 2024 and 2026, while overall homelessness increased 1% over the same period. The announcement said family homelessness has climbed 43% since 2022 and described children and families as the fastest-growing group within Oʻahu’s homeless population.

Ryan Catalani, executive director of Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, said the security deposit is often the last barrier between a family and a lease.

“This program clears that barrier, and because families repay what they can afford, every dollar goes on to help the next family,” Catalani said.

The Move-In Advance Program is expected to launch later in 2026. Families seeking help can contact Family Promise of Hawaiʻi at familypromise.help.

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi, founded in 2005, is a nonprofit that provides housing, resources and support to families with children facing homelessness in Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi Pacific Health is a nonprofit health care system whose four medical centers are Kapiʻolani, Pali Momi, Straub Benioff and Wilcox.