Ka Lā’i – Makaha

The phrase "Ka la i ke kunihi" appears to be a variation of the Hawaiian phrase "Kūnihi ka mauna i ka la'ē," which translates to "Steep stands the mountain in the calm."

The Need

According to the 2024 Point in Time Count, more than 200 youth ages 18–24 were experiencing homelessness on Oʻahu, with over half of them unsheltered. The highest concentration of unsheltered individuals in this age group was found on the Waiʻanae Coast, where access to youth-specific housing and support services remains severely limited.

Why We’re Here: Serving Youth on the Waiʻanae Coast

The 2024 Point in Time Count confirmed what we see every day: youth on the Waiʻanae Coast face some of the highest rates of homelessness on Oʻahu. Region 7, which includes Waiʻanae, recorded 178 youth encounters last year—the highest of any region—making up 32% of all youth outreach engagements island-wide. Even more striking, 37 of those were brand-new youth experiencing homelessness for the first time, accounting for over 25% of all new youth houseless encounters.

RYSE is here to fill the gap. Through 73 days of targeted outreach, we bring essential supplies, services, and support directly to youth where they are. But our commitment goes beyond crisis response.

Our services include:

  • Intermediate Housing: Safe, stable housing for youth in crisis

  • Mental Health & Counseling: Therapy and wellness support from licensed professionals

  • Education & Employment Assistance: Help enrolling in school, building skills, and finding jobs

  • Life Skills Training: Workshops on financial literacy, personal development, and independent living

Our Vision

Our trauma-informed, culturally grounded approach ensures that every youth we serve is met with care that honors their story and responds to their unique needs. We prioritize strong community partnerships to strengthen and expand our reach, recognizing that true change happens when we work together.

Since opening Raphael House in February 2024, our first shelter on the Waiʻanae Coast, we’ve already reached full capacity, providing critical housing and wraparound support for houseless and at-risk youth. In just the first year, the program has helped reunite two youth with their families, showing how stability and compassionate care can lead to transformational outcomes.

For the past seven years, our Mobile Crisis Outreach (MCO) teams have met youth where they are, on the beaches, in the parks, and on the streets, connecting them to our shelter in Kailua. With the addition of Ka Lā’i – Makaha, paired with our Raphael House, youth no longer have to leave their home community to access the services they need.

Drawings of the Makaha property by RYSE youth reflect hopes for a space that offers relaxation, inspiration, and safe shelter. Each sketch captures how this land could one day become a healing place built by and for youth.

Plans, Permits & Resources