HOPE Services Hawai‘i Hosts Annual Luncheon for West Hawai’i Residents Experiencing Homelessness

HOPE Services Hawai‘i welcomed nearly 100 people experiencing homelessness to its West Hawai‘i campus for its Annual Homeless Luncheon, a day dedicated to community, connection, and essential services for the unsheltered community in West Hawai'i. 

The event transformed the Friendly Place Campus into a hub of support and celebration. Guests enjoyed a restaurant-quality lunch, accompanied by the sounds of live music. Beyond the meal, the luncheon provided a wide array of vital services, including free haircuts, mobile showers, and connections to medical and social service providers.

A key feature of the event was its free boutique, where participants browsed and selected clothing, shoes, and other essential items. The festive atmosphere was bolstered by door prize giveaways throughout the day.

“It gives that ‘ohana type of vibe, and I think that it helps to interact not only amongst each other, but also with community partners and staff,” said Kali French, Chief Operating Officer of HOPE Services Hawai’i. “The goal here is to make it feel like that family-type setting where it's that safe place to just be yourself.”

“I know a lot of [people experiencing homelessness] here in the community on a first-name basis,” said Michael Napeahi, who volunteers at HOPE Services’ Friendly Place campus. “The transformation is unbelievable, and it’s such a payoff to see people transition from the streets into the workforce.” 

“HOPE Services has impacted my life personally,” Napeahi continued. “Because of HOPE Services, I have stable housing.”

“It’s so important to come together as a community to show how much we care and are available to reach our unsheltered neighbors,” said Pennie Bumrungsiri, Clinical Services Director for Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Hawai’i, who had brought the organization’s mobile health clinic, as well as a table offering food, sanitary pads, and information about reproductive health.

“These kinds of events show that services can be combined in one setting and build momentum for support and continuity of care.”

The event highlighted HOPE Services Hawai‘i’s mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring on Hawai'i Island through a comprehensive and compassionate approach. It brought together staff, volunteers, and community partners to create a single point of access for critical resources in a positive and engaging setting.

Community support makes events like this possible. Those interested in supporting HOPE Services Hawai‘i’s year-round work can donate time, talent, or treasure at www.hopeserviceshawaii.org or by contacting jcabal@hopeserviceshawaii.org.