Success Stories

Sos Family

Service Path

When Ketsy, Michiosy and their three children moved out of a Honolulu apartment a week before Christmas 2019, they didn’t know when they might live under their own roof again. Despite both parents working full time, the $1,800 rental payment was always going to be more than they could afford and still feed their family. They left home that day with suitcases of clothes and a few small possessions. They gave their furniture and other items to neighbors who were also in need.

With no relatives in Hawaii, there wasn’t anyone to take them in. Instead, the family found their way to IHS’ Family Shelter on Kaaahi Street. In recounting that experience, Ketsy says, “IHS is like a giant, bright open door with light pouring out of it where families can find all these helpful people and resources.”

IHS case manager, Dee, has provided intensive counseling and connected them to resources to improve their eligibility for housing consideration at Kahauiki Village. The family has made the most of their situation and have fully embraced the services and opportunities available to them while living at the shelter.

Moving in to Kahauiki Village is a dream come true. Each has worked hard to earn the privilege of moving there. On May 7, 2020, they became the 100th family to move in. This affordable housing development was created by visionary Duane Kurisu, who set out to recreate a tight-knit support system that resembles the plantation-style community in which he was raised.

For the first time in years, Ketsy has the time and energy to take a longer view on life. She sees this journey to housing as one that will help her family take the next step toward improving their quality of life. She hopes to re-enroll in school and find her way to a living wage, to better support the family.

You can read more about her family’s journey here.