MHK opens new adult group home on Maui, Sept. 12

On Friday, Sept. 12, Mental Health Kokua hosts the grand opening of Hale Ho'omalu, a new group home for adults with severe and persistent mental illness in downtown Wailuku, Maui, in a historic property originally built by the Salvation Army in 1911.

The ten-bed facility will provide supportive housing for men and women working towards independent living through MHK's continuum of care. The 2,668 square-foot facility has six bedrooms, two laundries, two kitchens and offices for residential staff and will provide a range of services.

"There is a great need for this facility on Maui, and MHK is proud to provide services to the individuals and families who need help addressing the mulitple problems encountered by adults living with mental illness," said Greg Payton, CEO of the nonprofit.

Partial funding for the new group home was provided by the Weinberg Foundation, the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and the State Department of Health. MHK has provided a range of community-based mental health services for 35 years and has programs statewide, serving more than 1,500 individuals annually, including 500 in Maui County.