WAIANAE, Hawaii (KHON2) — Governor Josh Green partnered with U.S. VETS to bring more help for the homeless on Oahu’s leeward coast.

Thursday, Jan. 23 marked the grand opening of Waianae’s Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu kauhale, featuring an emergency bed program to address immediate shelter needs, food insecurities and more.

The new kauhale sits on Ala Hema Street to help shelter 70 to 80 people and “reflects the commitment to lifting up the most vulnerable — providing not just shelter, but dignity, stability and a path of independence and personal excellence.

Residents can find a community experiencing housing instability and aims to support individuals in their transition from homelessness to healthy independence.

“Our vision for Hawaii is to care for the people we love and that means all the people of the state. Give them housing, healthcare and the ability to thrive,” said Gov. Green. “I’m grateful to this effort, for everyone who’s already been on it. Our goals are ambitious, we want to decrease homelessness by 50% over four years.”

Waianae’s Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu kauhale also features services such as emergency shelter case management, housing-focused case management and assertive engagement strategies.

Each resident can use these resources until permanent housing can be secured, allowing individuals to move through the program at their own pace.

“When we can take our partnerships and our good fortune and turn it into a chance for others, we become not only leaders of ourselves, we become leaders in the community and we don’t only provide housing, we create homes,” Darryl Vincent, U.S. VETS president and CEO added.

This is the 18th kauhale to open in the last two years.