Media Kit
Residential Youth Services & Empowerment (RYSE) is a Hawaiʻi-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to end youth homelessness by providing a continuum of housing, support and opportunities that help young people move toward greater safety, stability and independence.
RYSE serves youth and young adults ages 14–24 across Oʻahu through free drop-in services, outreach, housing and individualized support. Our Youth Access Center is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week, providing young people with a safe and welcoming place to connect with services and support.
RYSE’s programs extend well beyond immediate shelter and housing. Young people can access therapeutic and behavioral health services, case management, education and employment support, parenting support, mentorship, life skills training, crisis intervention, advocacy, legal assistance and connections to other community resources.
Through housing programs and services across Oʻahu, RYSE works with each young person based on their individual circumstances and goals. Whenever safe and appropriate, that support can include strengthening family connections and working toward reunification. For others, it may mean helping build a path toward stable housing and greater independence.
Since its founding in 2018, RYSE has continued to grow in response to the needs of Hawaiʻi’s young people, working alongside government agencies, community organizations, businesses, foundations, donors and volunteers who share the belief that youth homelessness is solvable.
Our Vision
A community where there is no youth homelessness.
Our Mission
To provide a continuum of support that empowers Hawaii’s youth to move beyond homelessness.
Carla Houser
Executive Director
Carla Houser is a fierce advocate for children and young adults, with a passion for ending youth homelessness for good. As the Executive Director of Residential Youth Support & Empowerment (RYSE), a non-profit 501(c)3 based in Hawaiʻi, she is leading the charge to eradicate youth homelessness by providing a continuum of support and care for Hawaiʻi’s youth.
With over 15 years of experience working with opportunity, houseless, and socially marginalized youth, Carla has a deep understanding of addressing the unique challenges faced by these young people in need. Prior to founding RYSE in 2018, Carla served as the Program Manager of Youth Outreach! (YO!) at Waikiki Health, where she provided a safe haven for homeless youth and ultimately identified the critical need for more shelter and services for young adults.
With over 15 years of experience working with opportunity, houseless, and socially marginalized youth, Carla has a deep understanding of addressing the unique challenges faced by these young people in need. Prior to founding RYSE in 2018, Carla served as the Program Manager of Youth Outreach! (YO!) at Waikiki Health, where she provided a safe haven for homeless youth and ultimately identified the critical need for more shelter and services for young adults.
Carla holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa and a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from UCLA. Her educational background and hands-on experience have equipped her with a strong foundation to address the complex issues surrounding youth homelessness and developing effective strategies that address them
Carla’s leadership has been widely recognized and she has been honored with numerous accolades including the Hawaii Children’s Action Network Champions for Children Award for Economic Security & Social Services, and Pacific Business News’ Women Who Mean Business designation. Carla currently holds a seat on the Honolulu Board of Parks & Recreation.
Beyond her role as a dedicated professional, she is also a caring individual who supports LGBTQ+ causes and often engages in outdoor activities like hiking and basketball. Carla resides in Honolulu with her family of humans and pets. Her personal values help to drive her passion and leadership, prompting positive change in the lives of young people facing homelessness.