Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Three nonprofit organizations have inaugurated a new youth homeless outreach center in downtown Hilo. The center is a collaboration between Hope Services Hawaiʻi, Neighborhood Place of Puna, and The Salvation Army.

The facility, located on Kinoʻole Street opposite the Hilo Central Fire Station, is managed by Hope Services Hawaii. It features three commercial spaces and 22 residential units dedicated to providing both homeless services and long-term supportive rentals.

The residential units are designed as affordable housing for youth aged 18-24 who are either experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.

Neighborhood Place of Puna will manage two commercial units on the ground floor, with a local business occupying the third space. These spaces will host the Homeless Engagement Team and the Anchor Point Youth Center program, which aims to support at-risk youth by offering safe environments and essential services.

"The Anchor Point Youth Center offers youth who are experiencing homelessness a safe place where they can access resources, connect with opportunities, and -- most importantly -- find the hope and help they need to find housing and a better life," said Paul Normann, Executive Director of Neighborhood Place of Puna.

Normann’s team also operates the Hawaiʻi County Homeless Engagement Hui. As of February 18, this group reported encountering 83 transitional-age youth aged 14-24 on the streets and noted that 79 individuals in this age range experienced housing instability.

"As a youth, I needed support but didn't know where to start,” said Minnie Cain from Neighborhood Place of Puna's Anchor Point Youth Center program.

Cain highlighted her personal experiences growing up in challenging circumstances as pivotal in understanding the importance of supportive structures for young people. She described the new center as “a game-changer for our community.”

“Many youth are still living in survival mode, just as I did,” Cain added. “I'm committed to ensuring they receive guidance and resources.”

The Salvation Army is also involved in facilitating access to resources for these youths. "The Salvation Army will refer our young adults that need housing to the apartments above the youth center," stated Roxanne Costa from The Salvation Army.

Both organizations' programs receive funding from Hawaii County's Office of Housing & Community Development’s Homelessness and Housing Fund. HOPE Services Hawaiʻi received startup funding from Hawaii State Governor’s Office through its Kauhale Initiative.

Brandee Menino, CEO of Hope Services Hawaiʻi expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Hawaii Island Youth to this new initiative: “Our teams have been hard at work getting the space ready...You can help change the course of a young person’s life."

Anchor Point Youth Center plans to open on March 3 with move-ins scheduled for mid-March. Supporters are encouraged to contribute through donations or volunteering efforts via Hope Services Hawaiʻi or Neighborhood Place of Puna websites or contacts provided.