Hallie Larkowski

The influx of affluent tourists and the high cost vacation homes has increased the cost of living in Kauai. There is a shortage of affordable housing for local residents and an even more dramatic shortage of affordable housing for low-income families.

The island also suffers a large homeless problem, with many families living on the beach, in their cars, in carports or with relatives.  Working-class families also cannot find homes to rent, and purchasing a home is not possible. 

 Kauai Habitat for Humanity's mission is to eliminate substandard housing and improve communities.  Kauai Habitat, formed in 1993, has built more than 100 homes. It also launched the Ele'ele Project, which will include an additional 100 homes.

Global Village is Habitat for Humanity’s international volunteer program. Teams travel to over 40 countries to work alongside communities, build housing solutions, and experience local culture. Our goal is to change the lives of the people we serve, as well as the lives of the volunteers.

To join a team or learn more, visit www.habitat.org/gv.

About Habitat for Humanity International 

Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in more than 1,300 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.