Skylar's Sunny Shelter (The Gazebo Project)

Children are separated from their parents for a variety of reasons, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, substance abuse, and abandonment.  They are often moved from foster home to foster home until they finally age out of the foster care system.  Then they are at even greater risk of becoming homeless, as they often do not posses the skills and resources to live on their own.

This scenario is all too common in the Waianae community.  FFP, with the support of one of its major donor Mike Wood and family, the Department of Human Services, and other community groups, is opening a shelter in Maile for children entering the child welfare system.  The receiving home, named Ho`omalu O Na Kamili`i, is breaking ground this month and is scheduled to open by March 2009.  It will accommodate 14 children, ages 3-17.  The home will provide 24/7 staffing, access to social workers and other health professionals, and all the amenities of a home.  Here children will be able to remain in their home school while they are assessed and transitioned into safe and loving permanent homes. 

As part of this project, a gazebo will be built where the children can meet with family in a safe, open environment.  This location will be called “Skylar’s Sunny Shelter” and will honor both his love for Hawaii and the outdoors but also his concern for other kids and strong belief in “playing fair” and “always being good” to others.

Foster Family Programs is accepting cash donations and new items of clothing, toys, blankets, household items, and furnishings. 

For more information on items needed for the home or for upcoming volunteer opportunities at the home call 521-9531 ext. 224. 

To give a donation, visit the Foster Family Programs of Hawaii website

Please note: if you use the donation link above, make sure to add "For Skylar's Shelter" on the check to ensure funds are routed directly.

Read the Honoulu Advertiser story covering Ho`omalu O Na Kamili`i (PDF)

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