Hui Mahi'ai Aina is a non-profit organization based in Waimanalo, Hawaii. It was first founded in 2014 as a foodbank and community outreach center. Over the years, the organization has grown from a foodbank outlet to a houseless community program, currently sheltering 60 formerly houseless people on a 14-acre plot of land.
In order to provide adequate care to the residents, Hui Mahi’ai Aina provides meals at a highly subsidized cost every morning and evening. Currently, there is a compact kitchen and a gravelly eating area in front with two picnic tables and no sun protection.
We intend to improve upon this area, providing shelter from the sun, and a comfortable seating arrangement in order to create a more permanent space. We hope these advances will help the community come together during meal times and provide a space to connect.
The first priority of our project would be sourcing a tent so that the eating area will be shaded. In addition, we will be adding planter boxes to provide fresh herbs for the community to use in their meals. This will provide them with an area that will nurture a sense of community and support the overall health of the individuals who live at Hui Mahi'ai Aina.