ULI Homeless to Housed Case Study: Pūlama Ola Kauhale
Medical Respite Community in Honolulu
Strategically located near the State Capitol and The Queen's Medical Center, Pūlama Ola was completed in May 2023 at a cost of $367,266, primarily funded by philanthropic donations and in-kind services. Its design is culturally resonant and ADA-compliant, featuring accessible units, hygiene facilities, and 24/7 security. The project incorporates local symbolism through the blossom motif, representing resilience and renewal.
The program goes beyond housing by offering comprehensive wraparound services, including on-site medical care (24/7 coverage by nurses and assistants), case management, psychological support, daily meals, transportation, and access to communication tools. This integrated care model promotes recovery and long-term stability. Residents report an increased sense of safety and belonging, often lacking in traditional housing-first programs.
Financially, Pūlama Ola demonstrates substantial cost savings: its operation ($2.1 million annually) offsets over $7.2 million in healthcare costs by diverting high-need Medicaid users from hospitals, where care is far more expensive. The project has catalyzed interest across Hawaii, with plans to scale up to 30 similar communities (Kauhales) by 2026. More than 55 potential sites have been assessed, and lessons learned from Pūlama Ola, such as the redesign of hygiene facilities based on resident feedback‚ are shaping future implementations.
Despite public skepticism about alternative housing models, Pūlama Ola has garnered notable support from state leadership, including Governor Josh Green. It exemplifies how a community-first approach with public-private-philanthropic collaboration can achieve both social impact and economic efficiency. The success of Pūlama Ola offers a replicable, culturally informed model for addressing homelessness through scalable, low-cost, community-based solutions.
Case Study Summary: The Pūlama Ola Kauhale in Honolulu, Hawaii, is the state's first medical respite community designed to support individuals discharged from hospitals who lack stable housing but don't require skilled nursing. Developed by HomeAid Hawaii and operated by Project Vision Hawaii (PVH), the pilot project consists of 10 tiny homes with a total capacity for 12 residents. It provides a safe, supportive environment for recovery while alleviating pressure on emergency departments.
Strategically located near the State Capitol and The Queen's Medical Center, Pūlama Ola was completed in May 2023 at a cost of $367,266, primarily funded by philanthropic donations and in-kind services. Its design is culturally resonant and ADA-compliant, featuring accessible units, hygiene facilities, and 24/7 security. The project incorporates local symbolism through the blossom motif, representing resilience and renewal.
The program goes beyond housing by offering comprehensive wraparound services, including on-site medical care (24/7 coverage by nurses and assistants), case management, psychological support, daily meals, transportation, and access to communication tools. This integrated care model promotes recovery and long-term stability. Residents report an increased sense of safety and belonging, often lacking in traditional housing-first programs.
Financially, Pūlama Ola demonstrates substantial cost savings: its operation ($2.1 million annually) offsets over $7.2 million in healthcare costs by diverting high-need Medicaid users from hospitals, where care is far more expensive. The project has catalyzed interest across Hawaii, with plans to scale up to 30 similar communities (Kauhales) by 2026. More than 55 potential sites have been assessed, and lessons learned from Pūlama Ola, such as the redesign of hygiene facilities based on resident feedback‚ are shaping future implementations.
Despite public skepticism about alternative housing models, Pūlama Ola has garnered notable support from state leadership, including Governor Josh Green. It exemplifies how a community-first approach with public-private-philanthropic collaboration can achieve both social impact and economic efficiency. The success of Pūlama Ola offers a replicable, culturally informed model for addressing homelessness through scalable, low-cost, community-based solutions.