Mayor Rick Blangiardi is joined by Family Promise to cut the ribbon at the ‘Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawā
Honolulu – Mayor Rick Blangiardi, joined by representatives from the non-profit organization Family Promise of Hawai‘i, celebrated the grand opening of a vital homelessness solution in Wahiawā. The newly opened facility at 360 California Avenue offers a critical lifeline to families with children experiencing homelessness. This three-story structure, named the ‘Ohana Navigation Center Wahiawā, provides temporary housing for up to 12 families, or 48 individuals, who would otherwise be without shelter.
The property, previously a drug and alcohol treatment center managed by Hope, Inc., was acquired by the City in May 2023 for $6.9 million using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. It has since been transformed into a haven for families in need. Operated by Family Promise, The ʻOhana Navigation Center Wahiawā offers free, short-term housing along with holistic case management designed to help families transition quickly to stable, permanent housing.
“This facility at 360 California Avenue embodies our dedication to providing hope and support to families in need,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. “By collaborating with Family Promise and other community partners, we are creating a pathway to stable, permanent housing for our most vulnerable citizens. We believe in the power of community, and this project is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together for the common good.”
This property includes twenty-four rooms, each equipped with a wet bar and full bathroom, arranged around a central indoor courtyard to foster a sense of community. Additional features include a shared kitchen, lockable doors for privacy and safety, and eighteen parking stalls for families, staff, and volunteers.
“Every child deserves a home, and family homelessness is one of our community’s most urgent challenges,” said Ryan Catalani, Executive Director of Family Promise of Hawaiʻi. “We are grateful to the City and County of Honolulu for the opportunity to partner on this project, which will transform lives as we prevent and end homelessness for vulnerable families with children.”
Located in Wahiawā, the facility serves as a low-barrier shelter and resource hub for central O‘ahu, including areas with the fourth-highest rate of unsheltered student homelessness on the island. Clients will benefit from safe, clean shelter; activities for children; educational training for adults; and wraparound services to help break the cycle of homelessness.
Family Promise will continue its collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu, Aloha United Way, Partners in Care, the State Department of Education, and over 100 community organizations to help clients achieve success and independence. Clients typically stay at 360 California Avenue for 90 days, with extensions possible based on individual circumstances.
The full press conference can be viewed here. For more photos of today’s event, please click here.
—PAU—