Providing Shelter, Stability, and Hope for Families Experiencing Homelessness
Nestled near the heart of bustling Waikīkī, the Waikīkī Vista building has undergone many transformations—once housing university students, later serving as a temporary shelter for families in need. Today, it fulfills a renewed and vital purpose as the home of the Hale ‘Imi Ola program.
Launched one year ago through a partnership between the City and County of Honolulu and Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, the Hale ‘Imi Ola Program was created to support families experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, access to essential services, and a structured pathway to permanent housing. In just its first year, the program has made meaningful progress in fulfilling this mission.
Thanks to strong collaboration with Mōʻiliʻili-McCully community supporters and a broad network of multi-agency social service providers, Hale ‘Imi Ola has provided critical support to 97 adults and 114 children. Notably, 100% of the families who have transitioned into permanent housing remain stably housed. This success is a testament to the power of partnership and community in driving lasting change.
Operating across four floors of the Waikīkī Vista building, Hale ‘Imi Ola is currently at 89% capacity. Catholic Charities Hawai‘i oversees daily operations through a dedicated team of case managers, a housing intake specialist, and resource specialists. This team works closely with each family to provide individualized support, focusing on educational placement, employment opportunities, community engagement, advocacy, and permanent housing solutions—ensuring families are supported every step of the way.
Strong collaboration and support from state and city government offices have been essential in streamlining services for families at Hale ‘Imi Ola. The Department of Human Services’ Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) and the Med-QUEST Division have each assigned dedicated points of contact to the program, ensuring timely assistance and easing access to critical benefits.
The Department of Education’s Homeless Liaison, along with staff from Ala Wai Elementary and other public schools in the community, have played a key role in supporting families with school transitions and enrollment. Their efforts have helped minimize disruptions to children’s education, providing much-needed stability during a period of change.
Additionally, the Public Health Nursing Branch of the Hawai‘i Department of Health has offered ongoing, compassionate support. Their services include TB screenings, health education sessions, and medical resource navigation, as well as coordinating and escorting families to critical healthcare appointments—all of which contribute significantly to the overall well-being of those we are privileged to serve.
The Mayor’s Office and the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services continue to play an instrumental role in the ongoing success of Hale ‘Imi Ola by proactively addressing concerns and responding to program needs as they arise. Through Housing Solutions, Inc., which manages the Waikīkī Vista property, the City ensures that all maintenance issues related to the program are resolved promptly, helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for families.
Both the Mayor’s Office and the City have shown unwavering trust and support in Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, underscoring their confidence in the organization’s ability to deliver compassionate, effective services to families in crisis.
Community support has further enriched the lives of families at Hale ‘Imi Ola, especially during the holidays. Generous individuals and organizations have volunteered their time and resources to create meaningful and joyful celebrations throughout the year.
For Thanksgiving, the Mary Star of the Sea School ‘Ohana provided our families with beautifully prepared holiday meal baskets. During the Christmas season, John Fielding of ALTRES, along with members of the Honolulu Rotary Club and the Boy Scouts of America, hosted a festive celebration complete with food, entertainment, and a visit from Santa—who arrived with gifts for all the keiki.
ʻIolani School has been a consistent and creative supporter. They organized a holiday dinner celebration that included a special visit from a therapy dog provided by Assistance Dogs of Hawai‘i, bringing smiles and comfort to the children. The school later returned to host a Valentine’s Day event, where keiki created handmade valentines for their parents—celebrating love and family in a meaningful way.
As Hale ‘Imi Ola celebrates its first year of service, the program stands as a powerful model of what’s possible when compassion, collaboration, and community come together. The journey from crisis to stability is not an easy one—but with the right support, families are not only finding shelter, they are building a future.
