At 55 years old, Eshell never imagined she would be fighting to stay in the place she has always called home.
Originally from Waialua, Eshell spent her life working hard and helping others. Whether in Hawaiʻi or on the mainland, she built a career grounded in service, including years working in the welfare office. She was never afraid of hard work and often took pride in being able to support herself through every stage of life.
A few years ago, Eshell made the decision to return home to Hawaiʻi. Her goal was simple but deeply personal: to improve her health, reconnect with family, and spend time in the community that shaped her. Soon after returning, however, serious health complications led to heart surgery and a lengthy recovery. Unable to work, she faced mounting challenges and uncertainty about what the future would hold
Despite these setbacks, Eshell remained determined. Through every obstacle, she continued searching for ways to remain in Hawaiʻi while focusing on her recovery.
There were moments when it seemed she might have no choice but to leave the islands and return to the mainland simply because she could no longer afford to stay.
That changed when she connected with Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.
Today, Eshell lives at Meheula Vista, where she has a safe and stable place to call home. She relies on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid while continuing to focus on her health.
Working alongside Cyan, a Case Manager with Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi’s Case Management Team, Eshell was able to navigate available resources and identify a path forward. With Cyan’s support, she successfully applied for and was approved for the State Rent Supplement Program beginning June 1, 2026. The assistance will provide much needed financial relief and allow Eshell the time and stability to explore long term housing options without leaving Hawaiʻi.
For Eshell, the support she received meant more than housing assistance. It meant the opportunity to remain in the community she loves, close to family, friends, and the place she calls home.
In 2025, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi helped more than 74,000 individuals and families across the islands, providing critical support that helps people find stability, preserve their dignity, and build brighter futures.
Eshell’s story is one of resilience. Through health challenges, financial uncertainty, and difficult decisions, she never gave up on her dream of staying home in Hawaiʻi. Thanks to the support of Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi and generous donors, she can continue focusing on what matters most: her health, her family, and the future she is working so hard to rebuild.
Without that support, Eshell may have been forced to leave Hawaiʻi. Instead, she has been given something invaluable: the chance to heal, remain rooted in her community, and move forward with hope.
