MEDIA RELEASE

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii has operated out of Kona since 2002 with a goal of providing homes for low-income families along the entire west coast of the Big Island.

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii has built homes in Ocean View, Waimea, Captain Cook, and Kawaihae.

This September, it seekz to build in Kona for the first time by hosting a Blitz Build.

Partnering with the Blitz Home Builders, a national organization that completes one Blitz Build annually, Habitat will welcome approximately 100 volunteers from all across the mainland. Another 150 volunteers from the local community will be needed.

The build will take place on Lai Opua, Hawaiian Home Lands near Kealakehe High School.

To achieve the ambitious goal of completing all five homes, those 250 volunteers will need to eat! Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii asks the community to come forward and give their kokua.

To feed 250 people a day for 10 days is a challenge, but if any community can do it, it is this one. Food and beverage items for a daily continental breakfast, lunch, and two snack breaks will be required.

Examples of donations can be lunch for one house for one day (50 people) or snacks for two days. Every small donation helps.

If interested in donating food items for the Blitz Build, please contact Margo Takata at pr@habitatwesthawaii.org or call the Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii Office at 331-8010. For more information, visit their website, www.habitatwesthawaii.org.

Blitz Build at Lai Opua

Why Kealakehe? The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands contributed five contiguous lots in a central Kona location that will enable Habitat to host the required amount of volunteers to complete the massive project.

About Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii

Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing.

In addition, Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii’s ReStore offers a wide variety of new and gently used home improvement products at discounted prices, up to 90 percent off retail value. Community donations for Habitat ReStore are always welcome.

Proceeds generated through these generous donations help build homes for Habitat families. ReStore accepts clean furniture, building materials, working appliances, flooring, doors, windows, cabinets, sinks/toilets, lighting, home furnishings, electrical, hardware and plumbing supplies.