April 23, 2020 - For Immediate Release
Family Promise of Hawai’i partners with OLS Hotels & Resorts to shelter families experiencing homelessness during the pandemic.
On Wednesday, April 22, Family Promise of Hawai’i (FPH) began moving families experiencing homelessness into hotels to give children and families a private place to shelter during the current pandemic.
While the community is being asked to stay at home, not everyone has a place to call home. Shelters have typically been the safety net for those facing homelessness, but most shelters on O’ahu have suspended intake of new clients so they can comply with CDC social distancing guidelines.
To create new shelter space, FPH has partnered with OLS Hotels & Resorts to shelter 32 children and parents. The partnership is funded by Hawaiʻi Community Foundation’s Hawaiʻi Resilience Fund.
While the term homelessness is often associated with single adults, nearly 40% of the state’s homeless population are children and families. These families have fallen into crisis because the cost of living is higher than the wages they earn. Children and families without safe and secure homes are at increased risk of serious health issues.
“During this challenging time, it’s essential that we all come together to care for one another” says Family Promise of Hawai’i Executive Director Sam Church. “We have to innovate to protect the most vulnerable members of our community.”
The partnership comes amid the city’s decision to continue homeless sweeps during the pandemic. “We felt an urgency to provide a safe, hospitable shelter option,'' Church continued. “To keep families healthy, secure, and connected to long-term support.”
FPH staff is providing 24/7 support. Hotel personnel are providing in-room housekeeping. Meals are being provided by community partners, like Tucker and Bevvy. The partnership among businesses, private donors, and FPH is a true community response to family homelessness.
Those interested in services should call our office at 466-4243 or email info@familypromisehawaii.org. FPH asks that interested parties do not visit participating hotels, as no visitors will be allowed in the building.
About Family Promise of Hawai’i
Family Promise of Hawaiʻi envisions an Oʻahu where vulnerable families have equitable access to housing. Founded in 2006 to address family homelessness in Windward Oʻahu, Family Promise has grown to serve nearly 3,000 family members across Oʻahu, the majority of them children. Family Promise provides a holistic solution to family homelessness through prevention, shelter, and stabilization services. For more information, visit www.familypromisehawaii.org.
About OLS Hotels & Resorts:
Founded in 1988, OLS Hotels & Resorts is one of the industry’s leading hotel companies with a portfolio of 30 boutique and branded properties throughout the U.S. With roots in independent hotels and offices in Honolulu and Los Angeles, OLS offers a full spectrum of hotel services. OLS is led by technology entrepreneur Ben Rafter and specializes in using analytics to ensure properties are optimizing return on investment. Its executive team features hospitality experience at virtually all positions, from operations to marketing, and includes team members with high tech, startup, quant, development and asset management experience. For more information, visit www.olshotels.com. Follow OLS Hotels & Resorts on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Press Contact
Samantha “Sam” Church
Executive Director
Family Promise of Hawai’i
466-4247