Newly Renovated WHW Shelter: A Place for Healing, Renewal

April 6, 2015, 4:28 PM HST
* Updated April 6, 4:33 PM

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By Wendy Osher

A blessing ceremony was held last week at the Women Helping Women shelter for women and children on Maui following a six week renovation of the facility. Upon completion of the project, organization leaders said, “the victims of domestic violence and their children will now not only have a shelter for safety, but one that reflects: the respect we have; the value we place; and the hope we have for healing and renewal for every woman and child that seek this home.”

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Women and children who had sought shelter at the facility were temporarily relocated during the renovation process, and are expected to return to the shelter next week.

The renovations were inspired by a major gift of furniture from an individual, which reinforced the need to create a “clean, uplifting place to renew women and children in desperate circumstances.”

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A collaboration of non-profits, businesses and individuals joined forces to support the renewal effort. In response to a $50,000 matching grant provided by the Brendon Family Foundation, the West Maui Domestic Violence Task Force, under the direction of Renee Ward, created an “Adopt-A-Room” campaign to raise matching funds.

The Maui United Way organization, led by Laks Abraham, facilitated meetings while partner agencies helped to clear the home, offered temporary lodging, and assisted with the move out. Agencies that stepped forward to help included: Habitat for Humanity; YMCA, the Salvation Army; Big Brothers Big Sisters; and Labor Community Services (a mix of unions that includes the AFLCIO, UPW, ILWU, Operating Engineers Local 3, and IBEW Local 1186) and Hawaiian Tel.

As a key partner, Labor Community Services adopted the renovation as one of their service projects under the leadership of Deanna Davis. The group provided lunches, supported planning, worked on demolition, provided an electrician, and worked to install telephone and data outlets.

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Alexander Designs and Remodeling also served as a project partner under the leadership of Palani Alexander. The team reached out to a network of licensed sub-contractors that included: Kings Painting; Sherwin Williams; 808 Flooring and Lanes Carpet; Rob Brito Masons; Ceramic Tile Plus; Haleakalā Solar; Fergusons; Valley Isle Lighting; Home Depot Pro Desk; Aloha Waste; the County of Maui; and artist Kaleo Alexander.

Last year, the Women Helping Women shelter served 127 women and 98 children on Maui. Organization representatives say statistics indicate that one in four women in Hawai‘i experience violence by their spouse or significant other.

The WHW organization is led by executive director Stacey Moniz and its shelter offers a safe place to escape 24-hours a day, 365 days a year

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Businesses and organizations that contributed to the project included: Macy’s lStore Manager Debbie Chuckas; Sears; Valley Isle Discount Lighting; Indich Collection; Ace Hardware; Maui Movers; Kimo’s Furniture; the Maui Fire Department; Grand Wailea; Da Ware House and Betsy Talon; AAAAA Storage; Pacific Media Group; Eileen Tayekusu; Jackie Favors; Hermine Harmon; Neldon’s Blinds; Lynn and Dick Rasmussen; the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation; Jonathan Star; and Helen Nielsen.

Donors included: Maui Jim’s; Bonnie McLennaghan; Rolfing Family Foundation; Sophie Deloria Foundation – Facilitated by Maui Community Foundation; Kent & Polli Smith Fund; Mary Anne Fitch; Dawn Derego; Donna Posely; Fran and Don Mitsumura; Roz Baker; William A. Seroy; Renee Ward; Sandra Brown; Lynette Loveland; Anne Jones; Hermine Harmon; P. Denise LaCosta; Friends of West Maui Domestic Violence Task Force; Friends of Sandra Florence; Friends of Rotary Club Lahaina – Sunset; Soroptimist International of West Maui; and Aloha Realty Group & Friends.