Nareit Foundation awards $100K grant to renovate Makiki home for former foster youth

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hale Koko, a two-story seven-unit transitional home in Makiki for former foster youths and young adults with children, will soon undergo renovations.

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The Nareit Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to the nonprofit Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE) to help renovate Hale Koko.

The home was donated to RYSE by State Rep. Kim Coco Iwamoto in support of the groups’ efforts to provide affordable housing.

The seven-unit, two-story building is thoroughly being refurbished through key improvements, including a new electrical system, plumbing, kitchen cabinets and windows.

The foundation grant will be used to complete the renovations and establish Hale Koko as a place young people want to live as they transition into a new beginning.

“Our goal is by mid-December to have this space open,” Ana Eykel, RYSE’s Director of Housing, said. “Also to have young people in it as a Christmas gift and shelter for the holidays.”

Once finished, Hale Koko will provide 12 beds across seven units, with each unit having its own bathroom, kitchen and living area.

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The housing is intended to give young people and families a stable place to live while they work towards independence.

The convenient Makiki location is within walking distance to schools, grocery and retail stores, employment and public transportation.

One kupuna will work as a live-in staff member, providing residents with guidance, care and moral support. Organizations like Hale Kipa and Epic ‘Ohana will help provide additional services.

“This will provide a really stable and safe environment so these youth can get back on their feet and be productive members of our community,” Gladys Quinto Marone, Executive Director of Nareit Hawaii, said.

The Nareit Foundation announced three additional grants that were awarded to other nonprofits alongside RYSE, sharing a goal to provide housing for residents in need on Maui, Hawaii Island and Oahu.

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