The Na Hale O Maui (NHOM) Community Land Trust received nearly $10,000 in surprise donations within two days. The money will support NHOM’s mission “to secure and preserve a permanent supply of affordable housing alternatives for low and moderate income households in Maui County.”
Within 48 hours, the community land trust received $9,500 via the US mail service. The first was a check for $8,000 from the Kerr Labbe Lowe Family Fund of the Oregon Community Foundation. The following day, NHOM received $1,500 from the Kihei Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.
The awards came on the heels of NHOM’s launch of their new website (Nahaleomaui.org), which was designed to expand the reach of NHOM and its program of developing truly affordable homes that remain affordable in perpetuity; the group’s efforts have placed 35 families in affordable homes–including the resale of two homes to income-qualified families–and is now planning to build 12 affordable homes in Lahaina.
The website makes it easy to become a member and provide financial support with a one-time or recurring donation, said NHOM Executive Director Cassandra Abdul. “It is also an excellent opportunity for local families to learn more about our mission and how we might be able to help them,” she said. “Our Oregon donor found us through the website where it was easy to review our mission, programs and progress. We hope to expand our efforts in social media fund-raising to increase affordable housing in perpetuity for the benefit of the Maui community.”
Abdul said affordable housing is a serious concern for everyone on Maui. “Happily, we can do something about it,” she said. “Our Mayor, his administration, the Maui County Council, and Maui residents are deeply concerned about housing in Maui County. Many of our visitors share our concern about the lack of affordable housing both on Maui and where they may also live. Our ‘new and improved’ website provides an opportunity for malahini and kama’āina to learn about Na Hale O Maui’s unique program, providing affordable housing in perpetuity.”
Photo of Na Hale O Maui Executive Director Cassandra Abdul and President Michael Trotto courtesy NHOM
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