A Beacon of Hope: Hauʻula Family Assessment Center Opens Its Doors
Posted on October 1, 2025
In a significant step forward in combatting homelessness in Hawaii, the Hauʻula Family Assessment Center (FAC) officially opened its doors to families in need on August 18, 2025. The center was established through a collaborative effort between the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS) and the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Community Services (DCS). This initiative marks an important milestone in the ongoing struggle to provide shelter and support for families facing homelessness in the Koʻolauloa area.
The Hauʻula FAC offers more than just a temporary roof over the heads of those in need; it represents a comprehensive support mechanism for families experiencing housing instability. The facility is designed to provide safe, immediate, and low-barrier temporary shelter while also facilitating access to essential services. These include guidance in navigating health coverage, food assistance programs, and financial support initiatives, all crucial for empowering families to rebuild their lives. DHS Director Ryan Yamane emphasized this approach, noting, “By providing virtual connections to public benefits, we can help families access important resources without the burden of traveling long distances.”
The opening of the Hauʻula FAC aligns with the state and city government’s commitment to address homelessness through increased collaboration. DCS Director Anton Krucky highlighted the fruits of this partnership, stating, “In one year’s time, we have opened four family shelters, all in partnership with the state. It is a true testament to collaboration expanding housing opportunities, because all families deserve to be housed.”
As the first dedicated family shelter in the Koʻolauloa region, the center offers a range of services that include emergency shelter, housing-focused case management, and rapid rehousing support, all managed by the local nonprofit organization Corazon Hawaii. Since its inception, the facility has already provided shelter for five families, totaling 22 individuals, with a capacity to accommodate up to 24 families within its first operational year.
At the center’s blessing ceremony, Governor’s Homeless Coordinator Jun Yang articulated the facility’s significance, stating, “May this center be a beacon of hope and a reminder that when we work together, we can create real and lasting change.” The Hauʻula FAC stands not only as a refuge but also as a representation of the community’s commitment to a more sustainable solution to homelessness. By addressing the immediate needs of families while equipping them with the necessary tools to secure stable housing, this initiative exemplifies a proactive approach to social welfare in Hawaii.
The opening of the Hauʻula Family Assessment Center is a promising development in the ongoing battle against homelessness, highlighting the essential role of community collaboration in creating impactful social change.
