Help Save Molokai’s Only Homeless Shelter
Aid Projects, Community Projects — by Nichole Ross
Longtime Hawaii resident on the Island of Molokai, Steven Jenkins, is the founder of the Kolapa House of Charity, Molokai’s only homeless shelter. Although the shelter is small, made up of just a few modest buildings on a residential lot in Kaunakakai, the Jenkins family’s aloha is immense.
Through the Kolapa House, the Jenkins family provides food, shelter, clothing and showers to anyone in need. Since February 2007, the Kolapa House has housed over 100 of the homeless and served over 1,000 healthy meals to the hungry. It also has plans to grow all its own fresh produce through a Permaculture project in partnership with the Permaculture Research Institute USA. It is the goal that this project will become a model to be replicated at other homeless shelters in Hawaii.
As of next week (August 7) the Kolapa House may have to shut its doors, leaving even the Jenkins family homeless as the property is being foreclosed on. Thus far, the Jenkins family has used its own personal funds to keep the shelter running. With Molokai’s economy going downhill fast, like many other local families, the Jenkins have fallen behind on mortgage payments. They have until August 7 to pay their creditor $10,000 to keep the property and continue providing their invaluable services.
Despite their dire situation, the Jenkins say they are not quitters. They are doing everything they can to save the shelter, including praying for a miracle.
You can help save Kolapa House with a tax-exempt donation to PRI USA or by contacting Steven Jenkins at (808) 757 0214 or email at: stevenjenkinsinfo4 (at) gmail.com
Mahalo.
Comments (11)
CORRECTION: The deadline for paying the $10,000 and holding off the FORECLOSURE auction is NOON ON AUGUST 6. ANY size contribution will help. PLEASE HELP.
Comment by mike kram — August 2, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Aloha Steven,
Your word was no good on the 30 day loan of $2,150. that I gave you nearly a year ago. Why should I believe you are telling the truth now??? Ken<
Comment by Ken Smith — August 2, 2009 @ 4:59 pm
Just a slight correction. I’ve been told that we need to have all the money by August 6, not August 7. Thanks.
Comment by Nichole Ross — August 2, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
Donations under this (PRI) website to save Kolapa House will be wire-transferred to Kolapa Foundation, which is being organized as a non-profit in Hawaii to own the Kolapa House REAL ESTATE. The OPERATION of Kolapa House will be covered by a non-profit Corporation already set up in Hawaii.
Title to Kolapa House has been deeded by the two friends of Steve who helped finance its acquisition and were on title, and will be recorded in favor of the Foundation as soon as it is set up.
Nominations for directors of the (separate) governing boards for the Corporation and the Foundation are invited from all friends and new and former contributors. For both organizations, we are looking forward to strong direction from local church and community leaders.
Thanks to all for your kind input and assistance.
Comment by mike kram — August 2, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
Aloha Ken,
As you well remember, that was not a loan, it was a donation, and it was $1,900.00. You must be getting me mixed up with someone eles. If anyone noticed the comment at the top of the page, feel free to call me and ask questions about this. I’ll be happy to give all the details, not really much to say except that a man named Ken Smith called me up and said that he had sent me ninteen hundred dollars. We are a not for profit, there was no mention of a loan when he gave this money. Later he asked for it back and changed the amount. Very interesting. Call me if your wondering about this. 808-757-0214
Comment by Contance Jenkins — August 3, 2009 @ 2:01 am
The Kolapa House has done nothing but help people, It would be a great loss to all of molokai. I’m Praying Steven.
Comment by Phoenix Rupf — August 3, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
I met Ken Smith when he was at the Kolapa House last year, and remember well that he made a donation to Steven Jenkins and the Kolapa House. Nothing was said about a loan; it was clearly a donation. I work with the Kolapa House, and know very well what took place in that situation. If anyone wants to talk with me about it, feel free to contact me. Pastor John Lazor, (808) 553-5003.
Comment by John Lazor — August 5, 2009 @ 3:42 am
I have been following this story. WHAT HAPPENED?
Mahalo, Jonny Z
Comment by Jon Zahaby — August 10, 2009 @ 1:59 am
They didn’t get the $10k raised in time, but have gained another month to do so via an alternate route. Thus, the saga is to be continued. I’ll write a final update when I get one. Thanks for your interest Jon.
Comment by Nichole Ross — August 18, 2009 @ 11:49 am
I’ve heard alot, and i think you are just using the hawaiian people that don’t really know who you are. from just reading all thats on the web about you trying to help Molokai it’s just a scam and you should be ashame of yourself by saying you are there for the homeless hawaiians. when actually you are bringing in all the mainland and country people to our Island. somebody that has no job how can you afford to travel so much. shame on you go back to where ever you came from. stop using the Islanders to get you money and have your bills paid.
Comment by joyce hall — October 6, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
Aloha Joyce and other Hawaiians,
I was somewhat involved in this project, and can assure you that everyone involved would love to see the Hawaiian people better off – in all respects. I have met Steve, and while he may not be a native islander, his heart is in the right place. In fact, I do not know many other people that are as giving as Steve. If you have been researching a lot about the potential benefits of Permaculture, then you should already know that there is no “scam”, just information that may be applied to a more sustainable and healthier lifestyle. Without question, times are tough and many, many people are struggling right now. Sometimes tough times bring out the worst in us humans, but positioning cultures against cultures or skin color against skin color just isn’t the kind of attitude I think our children should be learning from their parents. I’d like to believe that we can co-exist peacefully and learn the positive aspects of each other’s culture, rather than live in fear or dislike of each other, especially in this day and age. The Hawaiian people have some of the “biggest” hearts under the stars. What you value IS truly important! The family, the land, the sea, etc. Not all us “hoales” are here to exploit the people or your land. The only way we can truly grow as a species is to move beyond these prejudices that are somewhat common on Molokai. Again, it is my honest opinion that this homeless shelter and Steve’s intentions are for the greater good.
Sincerely,
Brian Splatt
Comment by Brian Splatt — October 22, 2009 @ 7:25 pm
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