A foundation for transformation: a message from Shanti Gomes

December 2021

Friends, supporters and volunteers of Habitat,

In December 2014, my husband, Kala, and I became homeowners through Honolulu Habitat. I’ll be honest – it was hard work. It took two years and hundreds of volunteers (plus a little sweat, faith and tears) to build our home, but I am grateful every day for the opportunity it has provided us and our five children.

Our home has been the foundation for personal transformation and growth. It provides stability and security. In our home, without the stress of financial burden, my husband overcame addiction and achieved sobriety. I developed my career in the real estate industry and established our family business. Our home has done more than shelter us – it has opened doors and created pathways forward.

I joined Habitat’s Board of Directors to give back, to help families like mine. Because, like you, I believe that everyone deserves a decent place to live.

Habitat has been building homes for three decades. As powerful as that has been, more than 24,000 families in Hawaii still lack safe, adequate shelter. This is the reality and inspiration behind Honolulu Habitat’s new 5-year strategic plan. We must do more. We must do it faster. We must do it with more impact.

We must do more. We must do it faster. We must do it with more impact.

Our strategic plan will launch in January, but I want to share a glimpse with you today (below). As a loyal supporter, you are a guardian of Habitat’s mission. You have made it possible for my family – and countless others – to know the strength, stability and independence of having a place to call home. You are in this with us.

With your help, we will build impact. We will build homes faster. We will build hope for more families. We will build a brighter future for Hawaii. We’ll do this together.

Next month, while we celebrate our 8^th Christmas at home, I will think of you and the gift you have given us. I will think of all that we can do when we work together.

Mahalo for your gift today and for being part of the Habitat ohana.

With Aloha & Gratitude,

Shanti Gomes
Habitat Homeowner & Board of Directors President