When we think of peace, many of us picture quiet landscapes, time with loved ones, or a sense of calm within ourselves. But true peace in a community goes much deeper. Peace means families have safe homes, youth have a place where they feel supported and seen, and neighbors know where to turn when they face hard times.
At Neighborhood Place of Puna (NPP), we believe peace begins at home and in the community. Our mission is to empower families and individuals in Puna and East Hawaiʻi by providing the tools, support, and relationships they need to thrive. We recognize that housing instability, family stress, and lack of resources can disturb the peace in people’s lives. That’s why our programs are designed to bring stability, safety, and healing, so our Hawaiʻi Island community can thrive together.
If you or someone you know is unsure where to begin in seeking help, this guide shares how our services promote peace every day across the Big Island.
Family Resource Center: Free Family Support in Puna
Strong families are the foundation of a peaceful community. Yet parenting can be stressful, especially when resources are limited. That’s where our Family Resource Center comes in.
Our center provides free family support, a welcoming place where parents and caregivers can connect to the resources they need most. Whether you’re looking for help with applications, referrals to community services, or parenting guidance, our staff are here to support you.
- What We Offer:
- Application assistance (housing, SNAP, and more)
- Parenting support and education
- Referrals to trusted community partners
- A safe space to ask questions and get connected
- How It Promotes Peace: When parents feel supported and have access to resources, families can focus on building stronger, healthier relationships. Children thrive when their caregivers are less stressed and more secure.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, visiting the Family Resource Center can be your first step toward finding calm and stability.
Family Assessment Center at Hale ʻIki: Shelter and Stability
Homelessness can disrupt every part of a person’s life — health, safety, and hope for the future. Peace feels impossible without a safe place to sleep. That’s why NPP operates the Family Assessment Center at Hale ʻIki, an emergency shelter designed to help families experiencing homelessness stabilize and transition toward permanent housing.
- What We Offer:
- Short-term emergency shelter for families with children
- Case management to guide families through housing navigation
- Supportive staff who help with housing applications, resources, and referrals
- How It Promotes Peace: At Hale ʻIki, peace is not only having a roof over your head, but it’s the reassurance that you’re not alone in the journey. Families gain breathing room to regroup, receive compassionate care, and take steps toward long-term stability.
If you know a family struggling without a safe home, Hale ʻIki can be the first step back to peace and security.
Homeless Engagement Team: Compassionate Outreach
For many individuals and families, housing instability can begin long before someone enters a shelter — it often starts outside. Living without a stable home can be incredibly challenging, and many people are unaware of the resources available to them.
Our Homeless Engagement Team (HET) meets people where they are. Whether on the street, in a car, or in encampments, our outreach workers are here to offer compassionate support and guidance. We strive to connect each person with the services they deserve, helping them find their path toward stability and hope.
- What We Offer:
- Housing-first case management for unsheltered individuals
- Assistance navigating housing applications and support systems
- Referrals to medical care, food, and social services
- A trusted, nonjudgmental presence for those who may feel invisible
- How It Promotes Peace: Peace for someone living unsheltered begins with dignity and being treated with compassion and respect. By offering resources and building trust, HET creates a pathway to stability and hope for those experiencing homelessness on Hawaiʻi Island.
If you see someone struggling without shelter, please call or text (808) 501-1413.
Anchor Point Youth Center: Safe Space for Youth Ages 14–24
Young people deserve peace too. But for many transitional-aged youth (ages 14–24), housing instability and lack of support can disrupt their education, health, and future. That’s why NPP opened the Anchor Point Youth Center in downtown Hilo.
Anchor Point is more than just a drop-in center. It’s a safe hub where youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability can find safety, resources, and a caring community.
- What We Offer:
- Free Wi-Fi, phone, and computer access
- Help with applications (jobs, housing, school)
- Trained staff who listen and support without judgment
- A safe, inclusive environment where youth can just be
- How It Promotes Peace: For youth, peace can look like having a trusted adult to talk to, a safe place to connect, or access to the tools they need to move forward. By providing stability and support, Anchor Point helps youth envision a brighter, more peaceful future.
If you know a young person who is currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness, Anchor Point Youth Center is here to help. Call or text (808) 745-1199.
Peace as a Community Effort
Peace is about building systems that reduce harm, support healing, and create stability. In our community, peace looks like:
- Families knowing where to find free family support in Puna
- Youth having safe, supportive spaces instead of facing youth homelessness in Hawaiʻi
Individuals without homes connecting to outreach and finding stability - Families in crisis finding emergency shelter and pathways to permanent housing
At NPP, we believe peace is possible when we stand together as a community. Every person deserves dignity, safety, and the chance to thrive.
How to Reach Out
If you or someone you know is unsure where to start, remember: you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. NPP’s doors are open, and our staff are ready to listen, connect, and walk with you on your journey toward stability.
Call or text (808) 501-1413 to get connected with a Community Resource Navigator. Together, we can build peace and stability for every family on Hawai’i Island.