Families pay rent of $130/month, singles pay $100/month, but residents who work 20 hours a week pay nothing. The goal is to move people into more permanent housing within 60 days, according to staradvertiser.
Mayor Kirk Caldwell, however, wants to move cautiously. “This is a test,” Caldwell told reporters Monday. “We’ll modify, we’ll adjust. … This is a first step.” Noting the modular units of Hale Mauliola occupy one of four acres, and that more containers could be added, the mayor said, “We want to make sure it’s working before we add to it. … We’re not going to rush.”
Since the first occupants began arriving in Nov., 2015, 38 people have moved in, although six have already left for more permanent housing. Full capacity of 80 to 90 residents are expected by late March.
The final structure, a dining hall has yet to be installed. The facility has a housing specialist who is charged with getting residents into more permanent housing, a full-time social worker case manager and seven staffers.
Daily shuttles take residents to support services in Iwilei for drug and alcohol counseling as well as medical treatment.
Bedspreads and curtains as well as palm trees, planter boxes, benches and artwork were all donated. ##
(Photo credit: staradvertiser–modular shipping container homes at Hale Mauliola))
