An old convent in Honokaa has been converted into permanent housing for kupuna dealing with homelessness on the Big Island.

Over 70 people attended the Wednesday blessing of Hale Ulu Lehua, including Mayor Kimo Alameda, state Rep. Matthias Kusch, and HOPE Services Hawaii founder Carol Ignacio.

“This signifies that it really does take a village. It takes all of us,” Alameda said during his address at the ceremony, during which he said he was both “overwhelmed” and “grateful” for the project’s result.

Ten elders without housing are expected to move into the bright and airy single-story North Hawaii home in October, according to representatives of HOPE Services Hawaii and their partner for the housing project, Honokaa’s historic Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.

Wraparound services and case man

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