Community First

"Community first. Relationships first. That's the key to healing."

— James Pakele, Board Member from Waiʻanae

Not housing first. Not sobriety first. Community first. Relationships first.

Relationships are key to healing. That’s why social service agencies have a hard time helping people to heal and move forward—because they cannot take the time to build trust and relationships.

Agencies need funding and the funding has rules, outcomes and time limits that take priority over people.

For example, you have only up to 90 days in a shelter or transitional housing. That’s not enough time to rebuild your life or to build new relationships.

In Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae, everyone’s path to healing is different. It might come through a relationship with the land, with pets, with caring for kids, or being of service to others.

It’s different for everyone, never one size fits all.