Honolulu Habitat for Humanity launched a new program, A Brush with Kindness (ABWK), to help preserve homeownership by partnering with low-income homeowners struggling to restore and maintain a safe and decent place to live. As this program is in the pilot stage, outreach efforts are targeted to low-income and veteran homeowners who are in need of minor exterior repairs to maintain the safety their homes.
Many families throughout Hawaii have difficulty maintaining their homes because the cost of living is so high. When basic expenses exceed income month after month, home maintenance is the usual casualty. Years of deferred maintenance can cause a downward spiral of home deterioration and unsafe living conditions.
“Habitat’s A Brush with Kindness gives us a great opportunity to help more families in need,” said Genie Brown, Executive Director of Honolulu Habitat for Humanity. “Helping people repair and maintain their home fits in seamlessly with Habitat’s core mission of making decent, affordable housing available to low-income families.”
Can you or someone you know answer “yes” to these questions:
- Are you struggling to keep your home in livable condition?
- Have you had to choose between paying for food, medication, taxes, and basic utilities?
- Are you facing city code violations or homeowner insurance cancellation due to the condition of your home?
If so, you may qualify to be a part of this program.
In 2011, Lowe’s granted more than $132,000 to “Hammers for Heroes” to encourage veteran participation in ABWK programs throughout Hawaii. Their tremendous support has spurred the development of this project throughout Hawaii and will help 20 families in the first six months alone!
For more information about the ABWK Program, please call 808-538-7070. You can also download a brochure on the ABWK program and an application.
