Nareit Hawaii held its 4th Annual Mahalo Reception on Sept. 26 to honor nonprofits providing affordable housing in Hawaii and announce the five awardees of Nareit Foundation grants in 2024.
More than 70 guests representing nonprofits statewide attended the event at the Pacific Club in Honolulu, which was highlighted by the keynote address from Governor Josh Green, M.D.
Nareit President and CEO Steve Wechsler pledged the Nareit Foundation’s continued support of affordable housing, and thanked the governor and nonprofits for their resilience, hard work, and compassion to help those in need of affordable housing.
“The Nareit Foundation is committed to creating more housing opportunities for residents throughout Hawaii by supporting shovel-ready projects that create new affordable homes and repair existing housing,” said Wechsler. “The Foundation’s work wouldn’t be successful without the support of our REIT members, especially those operating in Hawaii and that support the state’s economy.”
Nareit Hawaii Executive Director Gladys Quinto Marrone congratulated the five Nareit Foundation grant awardees and summarized how the funding will be utilized.
Arc of Maui County is purchasing industrial grade washing machines at its five adult care homes for 20 residents living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Institute for Human Services is replacing the failing water tank systems in 30 housing units at Kahauiki Village, protecting the health and safety of formerly homeless families and individuals.
Hawaiian Community Assets is renovating seven properties on Hawaii Island and one property on Maui to expand its lease-to-own program for low- to moderate-income families.
HomeAid Hawaii is creating a community pavilion and food service hub for residents in 125 permanent tiny homes to gather, cook meals, and participate in social service programs.
The Waianae Community Re-Development Corporation is renovating workforce housing for young farmers who are receiving career training opportunities in agriculture at MA`O Organic Farms.
Since the launch of the Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative in November 2018, the Nareit Foundation and Nareit Hawaii have collectively awarded 45 grants totaling more than $3.1 million to foster more affordable housing projects and aid charitable causes.