Howard Hughes gives $20,000 towards building Habitat homes
In the heart of Waimanalo, a partnership between Howard Hughes and Honolulu Habitat for Humanity is bringing the Flores family’s dream of homeownership to life.
Over the course of 3 dedicated build days this past month, 25 Howard Hughes volunteers worked alongside the Flores ohana to help build their home by completing pivotal tasks such as installing siding, trim, prepping for drywall and painting, moving the project closer to completion.
In addition to manpower, as part of its commitment to the community, Howard Hughes has generously donated $20,000 to support this build and future Habitat projects, underscoring their dedication to creating sustainable, vibrant communities.
View full gallery of Howard Hughes’ build days
Photos courtesy of Teresa Terell & Angelina Elido
“We’re very excited to have a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity.” Shared Scot Sellers, Chairman of Howard Hughes’ Board of Directors, during one of Howard Hughes’ three build days. “As a company, volunteerism is core to who we are; it’s part of our DNA to serve and help others. This service opportunity is a great marriage between our mission of building homes and Habitat’s mission of providing housing for everyone, because at the end of the day, everyone should have a safe and decent place to live.”
Volunteerism is core to who we are. At the end of the day, everyone should have a safe and decent place to live.
– Scot Sellers, Chairman, Board of Directors Howard Hughes
Howard Hughes joins over 200 volunteers from various organizations and backgrounds that have also helped construct the 2018 square foot home so far. This ADA compliant home will feature four bedrooms, two bathrooms, walk-in showers, and a single-floor layout, ensuring accessibility for all family members.
The Flores family’s journey with Habitat for Humanity stretches back through the years, anchored by the unwavering dedication of Vernon Akina. Fondly known as Uncle Vern, this seasoned carpenter has poured over 1500 hours of sweat equity into building and repairing Habitat homes. Volunteers might remember working with Uncle Vern on the Kalaluhi family home. In the midst of the pandemic, Uncle Vern stepped up as construction site supervisor and worked with over 500 volunteers to ensure construction of the two-story, 6-bedroom home. Now, his expertise and passion have been instrumental in guiding his own home’s construction process, which is set to be completed on June 15th.
Uncle Vern will share this home with his mother, Margarita Flores, his daughter, and her two children. The build not only reunites the family but also lays the foundation for generations to come.
“We are honored to partner with Honolulu Habitat for Humanity in this meaningful endeavor,” said Rebecca Wright, Director of Design and Construction at Howard Hughes. Wright serves on the local board of Honolulu Habitat and is also co-chair on Habitat’s Wahine Build committee, an initiative aimed at empowering and educating women in the construction field. “This build represents our shared commitment to providing safe, affordable housing for families in need, and we are proud to play a role in making the Flores family’s dream of homeownership a reality.”
To learn more about Honolulu Habitat, donate or volunteer, visit honoluluhabitat.org.
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.