Honolulu Habitat for Humanity
This nonprofit helps to eliminate poverty and homelessness by building low-income families simple and affordable places to live. Families pay low, no-interest monthly mortgage payments toward the full ownership of their homes, and must be willing to work hard to build not only their own home, but also for homes for their neighbors.
How to Help: Volunteers are needed to build homes, help out at special events with tasks like gift-wrapping, work in the organization’s offices, or join one of Habitat for Humanity’s committees. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old in order to help on the work site. Houses are built on Saturdays, from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How to Give: Donations go directly towards constructing low-income homes. A simple four-bedroom home takes between six to eight months and $130,000 to build. Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, 1136 Union Plaza, Suite. 510, Honolulu, HI 96813, 538-7070, honoluluhabitat.org.
Photo: Affordable Housing And Homeless Alliance
Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance
This local organization works to place the homeless in housing with the proper skills to stay there. It currently teaches workshop classes, provides donations to the needy and aids potential renters in entering into contracts. In the future, it plans on launching the “My Hale” program, which will help subsidize housing for up to one year and provide a case manager to new renters.
How to Help: AHHA is looking for volunteers to teach workshop classes, such as resume writing, women’s empowerment, financial planning and how to be a good renter. They also need administrative support in their offices. Volunteers willing to commit for six months to one year can work as client advocates to help the needy find housing or resources.
How to Give: The organization accepts monetary donations, which go towards staff and volunteer salaries, or towards resources the clients may need, like ID cards if they have lost their identification. Donations of clothing, food and hygiene items are also accepted. AHHA, 46-217 Kahuhipa St., Suite 3, Kaneohe, HI 96744-3901, 845-4565, hawaiihomeless.org.
P.A.R.E.N.T.S.
Hawaii P.A.R.E.N.T.S. (Providing Awareness Referrals Education Nurturing Therapy Support) works to increase awareness of child abuse and neglect by providing services to at-risk families and advocating child protection in public policy. The organization teaches educational classes and treats abuse victims.
Photo: Courtesy P.A.R.E.N.T.S.
How to Help: P.A.R.E.N.T.S. is looking for volunteers to help with fundraising projects, such as next March’s kickball tournament. Helping hands are needed to set up, take down, referee and sell food and beverages. The organization also accepts long-term volunteers to help in the office or serve as board members.
How to Give: Donations go directly towards helping to prevent child abuse and neglect. Funds are used to teach parenting education classes in the community and circulate flyers, as well as cover treatment costs. PARENTS Inc., 45-955 Kamehameha Hwy, Ste. 403, Kaneohe, 235-0255, hawaiiparents.org.