Welcome to the Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP) Program Series. Each month, we’ll highlight a different NPP program to give you a closer look at our initiatives and services. This month, we’re shining a spotlight on the Coordination Center, a vital resource for Hawai’i County residents seeking access to community support services.
The Coordination Center, launched in partnership with the Hawaii County Office of Housing and Community Development, provides free guidance and support to individuals and families in need. Our trained Community Resource Navigators assess needs and offer referrals to programs that provide rental and utility assistance, emergency shelter, family support, housing search, medical services, and more.
A First Point of Contact for Help
For many residents, navigating the maze of community resources can feel overwhelming. The Coordination Center was created to make this process simpler, faster, and more effective. As the first point of contact, our call center provides timely information and resources, while following up with individuals two weeks later to ensure their needs have been met.
The program is led by Chris G., our Program Coordinator, who oversees daily operations, program development and coordination, and implementation. Another key job duty is to collaborate with internal programs and external partners to ensure the successful delivery of services. When asked what he enjoys most about his work, Chris shared, “Above all – our participants! Great leadership and amazing coworkers!” This dedication to helping others fuels the team’s passion for improving lives across Hawai’i County.
Since its inception in 2021, the Coordination Center has grown significantly. In just over three years, we’ve expanded from four staff members to 19, and we’ve opened 199 case management cases. And we’re continuing to expand! This growth reflects the increasing demand for services in our community, particularly in the areas of housing and family support.
The Power of Connection: Testimonials from Participants
The true impact of the Coordination Center can best be understood through the experiences of the people we serve. Here are stories from two participants whose lives have been positively transformed by our services.
Participant 1:
A mother of two young children was facing challenges with domestic violence, substance abuse, and housing instability. She had been on a waitlist for county housing for years but faced significant barriers due to legal and credit issues. Through the Coordination Center’s Family Resource Navigation services, she was connected to Minnie, who introduced her to Loke, a Housing Navigator. Loke helped her secure a place at Hale ʻIki Family Assessment Center and assisted her with employment resources, including resume building.
“Neighborhood Place of Puna made it easier for me to get connected to the Family Resource Center and Housing Navigation,” she shared. “They helped my family explore housing options and ultimately connected us to the services that made a difference in our lives. There’s a huge need for NPP’s services in the community—especially for families struggling to find affordable housing.”
Her journey illustrates how the Coordination Center can be a lifeline for those in dire situations, offering hope and tangible solutions.
Participant 2:
Another participant came to NPP seeking help with finding housing and employment after struggling to navigate these challenges on her own. Through our program, she learned about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) from one of our Community Resource Navigators. NPP not only provided housing stability support but also helped her with essential services like health insurance enrollment.
“The services I received have been life-changing,” she said. “I was struggling so hard trying to figure things out on my own in a new state. I felt all alone and kept hitting dead ends, but you gave me encouragement, ideas, and the strength to keep going. You helped me secure health insurance, and that has been a turning point in my life.”
She added, “NPP has been a huge source of support for me. The community desperately needs these services, and I believe that with the help I’m getting now, I might finally be able to provide a stable home for my daughter and me. For the first time, I feel like there’s hope for long-term stability.”
Growing Impact and Ongoing Support
The data as of fiscal year end 2023 – 2024 speaks for itself:
- 1,057 single encounters through our Call Center, with resources provided to 581 families
- 500 of those resources were housing-related, with 81 families successfully connected to the Family Resource Center
- Of the 222 Resource Navigator cases, 25% of households reported an improved living situation at a two-week follow-up
These figures illustrate the positive impact our team is making, but it’s the stories like those of our participants that truly show the life-changing difference we are making.
As we continue to grow, we are expanding our services to include more intensive case management. Our goal is to provide additional support, including light-touch housing navigation, mental health referrals, and connections to substance use services.
Since its inception, the Coordination Center has continuously evolved to better meet the needs of the community, and we are committed to helping even more families secure housing, stability, and hope for the future.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to bridging gaps and creating lasting change in the lives of Hawai’i County residents. The Coordination Center continues to grow, and with it, our ability to help more families find the stability they need. Whether it’s housing assistance, employment support, or access to medical care, we are here to make navigating community resources easier for everyone.
Get Connected
If you or someone you know could benefit from the services offered by the Coordination Center, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help, and together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.
Talk to a live person at the Coordination Center now by calling or texting (808) 501-1413
Or, you can submit an Assistance Request Form below.
Meet the Coordination Center Team
