Chan, Zuckerberg donate $4.85M to Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity

HANAPEPE — The Chan Zuckerberg Kaua‘i Community Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation have awarded $4.85 million in grants to the Kaua‘i Habitat for Humanity to be used toward the construction of affordable housing units in Kaua‘i Habitat’s Waimea Huakai subdivision, Anahola, and the upcoming Kauhale O Waipouli project.

Because the critical need for affordable housing continues to persist on Kaua‘i, Kaua‘i Habitat’s Board of Directors is committed to seeking future opportunities to provide affordable housing.

“We are grateful for the support of Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg, whose vision of strengthening and empowering our community directly aligns with Habitat’s vision of providing a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” Board President Doug Haigh said in a release.

Since 1992, Kaua‘i Habitat has built 213 affordable homes and made critical repairs to 36 existing homes for Kaua‘i families whose household income is between 30-80% of the median Kaua‘i income.

“This generous funding does so much more than provide housing,” Executive Director Milani Pimental said. “It creates opportunities for individuals and families to transform their lives through homeownership. Habitat has achieved so much since its founding, and through this partnership, we can continue to provide solutions to our housing problem and opportunities for people to thrive.”

The grants also include additional funding available for property acquisition.

“Access to safe, reliable housing is crucial to a person’s ability to thrive, and supports a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive community,” Priscilla Chan said. “We’re honored to support Kaua’i Habitat for Humanity as they help individuals and families on Kaua’i.”