December 2, 2022
Addressing homelessness and changing lives
Kaiser Permanente funds innovative projects on Oahu.
HONOLULU — Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii has donated $125,000 to 2 organizations focused on providing housing and health care services to prevent homelessness and create job opportunities for individuals at-risk for incarceration. Partners in Development Foundation will receive a $50,000 grant award, and Institute for Human Services will receive a $75,000 grant award.
Partners in Development Foundation uses timeless Native Hawaiian values and traditions to empower families to navigate social challenges and increase resilience. The grant funding will support Hale Ka Hana, a 10-bed residential shelter for young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. In partnership with Kinai ‘Eha and the Kawailoa Youth and Family Wellness Center, Hale Ka Hana provides workforce development and life skills training. The facility is staffed 24/7 with residential managers experienced in mentoring young adults and trained in trauma-informed care. Residents will receive a stable place to live, along with training and skill-building for workforce development.
Institute for Human Services will use its grant funding to help recently incarcerated individuals avert homelessness and recidivism by providing transitional housing and support services. Without economic security or a place to live, nearly 49% of former convicts in Hawaii become repeat offenders immediately after release. IHS has 10 emergency and specialty shelters that provide housing support, daily meal programs, employment support, and health services. Residents can also receive life skills coaching to build financial literacy and referrals to other community organizations based on individual needs and personal goals.
“Public, private, and nonprofit organizations must come together to address the critical issue of homelessness in Hawaii,” said John Yang, MD, president and medical director, Hawaii Permanente Medical Group. “When people have access to the housing, health care, and wraparound services they need during these challenging times, they have more opportunities to thrive. We are grateful to support Partners in Development Foundation and the Institute for Human Services and their work to care for our most vulnerable populations.”
Kaiser Permanente is working to improve the conditions for health in the communities it serves. These grants are the latest in a series of contributions from Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii to help residents throughout the state receive vital support services that impact their overall health. Thus far in 2022, Kaiser Permanente has dedicated over $2.2 million through community grants and scholarships to improve health and wellness in Hawaii.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.6 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health.
