October 21, 2022
Honolulu Habitat for Humanity dedicates 90th home in Waimanalo
(Waimanalo, Oahu) – Honolulu Habitat for Humanity, in partnership with the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL), has completed construction on its sixth project in DHHL’s Kakaina community in Waimanalo. It is the 90th home built by Honolulu Habitat.
A Dedication Ceremony was held for the Gramberg ohana on October 20, 2022 at 4 p.m. More than 100 people attended the celebration on Thursday, including representatives from DHHL, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The 2-bedroom home was built by 223 volunteers, including 160 participants of Honolulu Habitat’s Wahine Build – a new annual initiative to educate and empower women to build affordable homes with Habitat.
“We want to show all the wahine our overwhelming appreciation for everything they have done for our family,” said homeowner Cheryl Gramberg, “We are forever grateful to them.”
The ceremony opened with Richard “Babes” Bell pu kani and concluded with a blessing of the home by Kahu Kenneth Makuakane of Kawaihao Church.
About the homeowners:
In 1987, Cheryl and Wili met for the first time in the lobby of Sheraton Molokai. Cheryl was working at the front desk when Wili, a tour bus driver, arrived to shuttle guests to the airport.
They were introduced by Wili’s cousin and Cheryl’s best friend, Danielle.
Cheryl and Wili married in 1994 and raised three beautiful children. They lived together in Waimanalo until lack of available housing forced them apart. Cheryl moved to Kapolei where housing was easier to find while Wili remained in Waimanalo to care for his mother.
“We had such a hard time finding housing,” said Cheryl, “when DHHL recommended we contact Habitat, everything changed. It was such a blessing.”
Since partnering with Honolulu Habitat to build their home, Cheryl and Wili have spent countless hours preparing for this day. From meeting with Habitat staff and participating in financial education, to completing ‘sweat equity’ hours and helping build homes for other Habitat families, their journey has been long – but worth it.
The Gramberg’s dream of homeownership was brought to life by their own commitment and hard work, and the help of dedicated volunteers and generous donors.
Uncle Wili, a carpenter by trade, has been transformed by this experience. “Working in service to a greater cause and helping other Habitat families has given him a new sense of purpose,” said Cheryl, “I have never seen him so happy.”
About Honolulu Habitat for Humanity:
Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Honolulu Habitat for Humanity was founded in 1988 as an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Learn more at honoluluhabitat.org