This Christmas, we’re reminded that some of the most meaningful gifts come in unexpected moments—like a chance encounter in a hallway.
Brandee’s journey with Catholic Charities Hawai‘i (CCH) began through MERA, the Maui Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which helped her stay housed during a critical time. When the Maui Housing Stability Services (MHSS) Program launched, she became eligible for continued support. MHSS would later close on September 30, 2025, but not before helping hundreds of Maui residents move toward stability—including Brandee.
A Chance Hallway Encounter
One morning, CCH Case Manager Crissy and Program Director Kanoe made an impromptu stop at the Maui American Job Center. They hoped to speak with leadership about hosting a financial literacy workshop. When the director wasn’t in, they began heading out—walking down the hallway, ready to leave.
That’s when Brandee appeared.
Recognizing their CCH shirts, she stopped in her tracks. Tears filled her eyes as she asked if they really were from Catholic Charities Hawai‘i. When they said yes, she broke down. She had just received a letter from her property management office stating she was nearly $1,000 behind in rent and at risk of eviction. She couldn’t understand how this happened—she had been paying her rent every month.
Right there in the hallway, Crissy and Kanoe reassured her that she wasn’t alone. They confirmed she had received MERA, which allowed them to open her case under MHSS that same day.
Once Brandee’s case was opened, the team met with property management to understand the problem. Her ledger showed she had been making payments monthly—but each payment had been unknowingly short by about $100, slowly creating the arrears balance. During budgeting conversations, they also discovered that Brandee was paying for a storage unit she didn’t need. With support, she chose to close the unit—reducing expenses and freeing money to save.
Brandee’s success didn’t come from one agency alone—it came from her entire housing support team working together:
- CCH’s MHSS team providing hands-on case management
- HCA offering rental assistance
- Kaulana Mahina staff, who worked closely alongside them to ensure coordinated support
Later, when reflecting on Brandee’s dedication, Crissy shared simply:
“She always did her part.”
The Way Brandee Gives Back
And then came the moment that surprised her team the most.
As they were talking, Brandee suddenly asked,
“How you guys get paid?”
Crissy smiled and replied, “We get a paycheck.”
But Brandee pushed further:
“Okay… but how you guys get paid more?”
At first, Crissy and Kanoe didn’t understand what she meant—until it became clear. Brandee wasn’t asking out of curiosity. She wanted to advocate for them, to give back to the people who had stood by her during one of the most stressful moments of her life.
Kanoe later said with a smile,
“I told her the best thing she could do for us was to stay housed. But she didn’t want to let it go—she really wanted to give back.”
Her question—simple, honest, overflowing with gratitude—captures the spirit of the season more than any wrapped gift ever could.
A Life Beyond Limitations
Brandee approaches life with warmth, humor, and determination. Her cognitive disability means she sometimes needs information repeated or broken down—but it also gives her a deep attention to detail, impeccable organization, and a heart that connects sincerely with others.
Stable housing allowed her to continue working in an afterschool program, a job she loves. Before MHSS closed, she proudly shared that she had completed her final class to be fully certified within her company so she could continue nurturing and supporting children.
Her caring spirit shines through in everything she does. When a child once told her they didn’t like her, she was hurt—but through conversations with CCH staff, she learned she could still respond with kindness. That’s who Brandee is: someone who chooses compassion every time.
The Power of Mutual Care
For the CCH team, Brandee’s story is a reminder that service is reciprocal—that those who receive support often give back in unexpected, heartfelt ways.
“My gratitude for Brandee’s kindness grew exponentially,” said Kanoe. “It reminded us that even in a world that can feel chaotic, there’s still room for good people and good work.”
“‘Ike aku, ʻike mai, kōkua aku, kōkua mai; pēlā iho la ka nohona ʻohana.’
Recognize and be recognized, help and be helped; such is family life.”
Brandee continues to thrive—organized, punctual, determined, and full of aloha.
And she is not alone.
Last year, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i helped 11,633 families, children, and individuals avoid homelessness—a testament to what can happen when compassion meets community.
This Christmas, we celebrate Brandee.
Her courage. Her gratitude. Her giving heart.
A beautiful reminder that the season of giving is also a season of grace.
