HOPE Services Hawai‘i Hosts Annual Homeless Luncheon for East Hawai’i Residents Experiencing Homelessness

HOPE Services Hawai‘i Hosts Annual Homeless Luncheon for East Hawai’i Residents Experiencing Homelessness

HILO, HAWAI‘I – Tuesday, November 25, 2025 – Today HOPE Services Hawai‘i welcomed 168 people experiencing homelessness to Aunty Sally Kaleohano’s Lū‘au Hale for its Annual Homeless Luncheon, a day dedicated to community, connection, and essential services for the unsheltered community in East Hawaiʻi.

The event transformed Aunty Sally’s into a hub of support and connection. Guests enjoyed a restaurant-quality lunch served to the sounds of live music. Beyond the meal, the luncheon provided a wide array of vital services, including mobile showers and connection to medical and social service providers.

A key feature of the event was free haircuts, offered by volunteer professional hairstylists. Participants were also invited to browse the free boutique, where they chose clothing and shoes for a fresh look. The festive atmosphere was bolstered by door prize giveaways, keiki activities, and games for all throughout the day.

“I do this work because… I love the people. It hits close to home because I have family and friends and neighbors who are experiencing homelessness, and so if I can be a part of the solution and help to get them housed or help to provide services or just to be there for them to support them where they’re at it’s rewarding for me,” said Carrie Hoʻopiʻi, Director of Outreach & Interim Case Management at HOPE Services Hawai’i.

Hoʻopiʻi says a unique feature of the homeless luncheon is that it can make people feel ready to accept services even if they havenʻt felt ready before. “When they are here, they see and experience the services, the joy, the love, the healing that we pour out and the warmth, and it opens them up to receiving services.”

Halonaikaiopuna Fukutomi was born in Hilo, and grew up in Southern California, but returned home to be near family. He became homeless after staying in a family member’s garage without electricity, and entered HOPE Servicesʻ Keolahou Emergency Shelter, located at the old Hilo Hospital.

Now Fukutomi lives at HOPE Servicesʻ permanent supportive housing community on the second floor of the Hilo shelter.

“I went upstairs where I have a room with a door that locks now,” Fukutomi said while attending Tuesday’s luncheon.

“I can see myself working on my housing plan and utilizing the resources and … doing the footwork to acquire that permanent housing with all the resources that we get help with.”

Fukutomi continued, “HOPE Services…I canʻt really say Iʻve gotten this far without them.”

Hoʻopiʻi expressed her gratitude for those who gave their time, talent, and treasure to bring this collaborative event to our community.

“We couldnʻt have done this without our community partners, who made this event possible,” Hoʻopiʻi said. “This yearʻs partners included Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou Church, Rotary club of Hilo, Kumukahi Health & Wellness, Project Vision Hawai’i, Vibrant Hawaiʻi, Child and Family Services, Neighborhood Place of Puna, Going Home Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Care Center, Gen Mobile, St. Joseph School, Kamehameha Schools, Teen Challenge, United Healthcare, County of Hawaiʻi, and many volunteers cutting hair, sorting clothing, and doing anything else we needed help with.”

“We want to give a special shout out to Joyce Ikeda of Hale Pule Ke Ola Hou Church, whose idea it was to begin the Homeless Luncheon 25 years ago,” Hoʻopiʻi continued. “Her commitment is what makes this luncheon so special.”

The event highlighted HOPE Services Hawai‘i’s mission to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring on Hawai’i Island through a comprehensive, compassionate approach. It brought together staff, volunteers, and community partners to create a single point of access for critical resources in a positive and engaging setting.

Community support makes events like this possible. Those interested in supporting HOPE Services Hawai‘i’s year-round work can donate time, talent, or treasure at www.hopeserviceshawaii.org or by contacting volunteer@hopeserviceshawaii.org.