Expanding Housing Solutions

Nareit Foundation Awards $100,000 Grants to Habitat for Humanity Maui and Oʻahu Youth Programs

In an impactful boost for affordable housing initiatives across Hawaiʻi, the Nareit Foundation—the charitable arm of the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts—has announced two $100,000 grants to support non-profit organizations providing essential housing solutions on Maui and Oʻahu.

The grant funding directly targets two critical housing priorities: supporting Habitat for Humanity Maui in its ongoing efforts to rebuild homes lost in the Lahaina wildfires, and funding essential facility upgrades for Residential Youth Services and Empowerment (RYSE) to support foster youth transitioning into independent adulthood on Oʻahu.

Direct Impact on Maui: Rebuilding Homes in Lahaina

For West Maui families navigating the rebuilding process, Habitat for Humanity Maui remains on the front lines of home restoration.

The $100,000 grant to Habitat for Humanity Maui will support disaster recovery operations, critical home repairs, and self-help construction initiatives designed to get local families back into permanent homes.

• Lowering Rebuilding Barriers: By funding material procurement, land prep, and skilled construction oversight, Habitat for Humanity helps low- to moderate-income wildfire survivors rebuild safe, affordable homes.
• Community-Centric Self-Help Model: Habitat’s model leverages community sweat equity and volunteer labor, reducing total construction costs for returning homeowners.
• Long-Term Asset Protection: Ensuring families return to permanently affordable homes helps preserve West Maui’s residential foundation and keeps local generations rooted on island.

Supporting Foster Youth Housing on Oʻahu

Beyond disaster recovery on Maui, the Nareit Foundation also awarded $100,000 to RYSE for its Hale Koko campus on Oʻahu.

The grant will fund vital facility repairs and infrastructure enhancements—including roof replacements, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and structural weatherization—to ensure young adults aging out of the foster care system have access to safe, stable transitional housing.

"Providing stable, affordable housing is the foundation for strong communities," noted representatives from the Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative. "Whether supporting families rebuilding in Lahaina or providing vulnerable youth with a secure home as they enter adulthood, these grants help build a resilient future for Hawaiʻi residents."

Strengthening Hawaiʻi's Housing Resilience

Philanthropic investment from industry organizations like the Nareit Foundation plays a vital role in bridging housing gaps across our state. Partnering directly with non-profits like Habitat for Humanity Maui ensures that affordable homeownership remains an achievable reality for local families.

As residential rebuilding in West Maui continues to gain momentum, direct non-profit grant support helps ensure that community recovery benefits every segment of our island population.

The Smith Team

Coldwell Banker Island Properties

Licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi

3750 Wailea Alanui Dr, Suite B35, Wailea, HI 96753

Direct: (808) 879-1991 | Web: www.mauihomebuyer.com

PC: Nariet Hawaii

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