A Gifted Legacy: Lenchanko-Andrade And Their New Hale
The Lenchenko-Andrade Home Dedication Ceremony, kicked-off the summer season. On Saturday, June 8, 2024, Duke, Keiko and family concluded their Habitat journey and began their official chapter as first-time homeowners. This residence started as a gift from Duke’s auntie in the form of a vacant lot. Duke and Keiko then took it upon themselves to seek out different opportunities to build a home.
They found Honolulu Habitat and in conclusion, Lenchanko-Andrade’s 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom house became the affiliate’s 92nd home-build!
Their ceremony was an afternoon filled with excitement, and a profound sense of accomplishment. Ku’uwehi Hiraishi, President of the Board of Directors welcomed friends, family, neighbors and community partners through a traditional Oli Aloha.
Remarks were shared by Nerine Asbel, Director of Operations, Shana Petelo, Homeowner Services Manager, Mike Kailio, Superintendent and Duke-Lenchenko-Andrade. As an affiliate the team couldn’t be more thrilled to dedicate this home to a young local family. “We hope that this home provides the necessary foundation needed to grow and prosper here in Hawaii, especially during these harder times.” a remark made by Nerine. “It’s been years in the making since the first time I met both of you attending one of our many Home Build info sessions back in 2019. It truly is a joyous day for all of us, and especially for me because I have been with you since the beginning. What once was a dream, turned into decisions, and finally a home!” concluded Shana Petelo.
Construction for the Lenchanko-Andrade house began in October 2023 and concluded by March 2024. More than one hundred volunteers worked alongside Duke and Keiko to build their house.
“To all the volunteers, thank you for being here. To future volunteers, I can only say that your support is a tremendous blessing to our family and to those who couldn’t achieve this dream on their own. Your efforts help turn their dreams into reality. It’s an incredible experience,” Duke stated.
Through community engagement Honolulu Habitat strives to increase its impact on Hawaii’s affordable housing crisis. We are able to build more, serve more, and achieve more for our community and future generations like the Lenchanko-Andrade’s who will now experience the strength, stability, and self-reliance that everyone deserves.
Consider making a gift to Honolulu Habitat to ensure our critical work can continue. Let’s build more than houses; let’s build homes filled with love, care, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures. Together, we can make a difference, one home at a time.