FAQs

Our programs are designed to support individuals and families experiencing housing burdens due to the housing crisis. To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit our Programs page or contact us directly.

Who can apply?

Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village is open to individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness in the community due to the housing crisis, primarily those who are Maui Wildfire-affected. We prioritize applicants who are committed to improving their lives, seeking stable housing, and working toward long-term self-sufficiency. While we welcome people from all walks of life, preference is given to those with the greatest need for support in securing stable, affordable housing.

For specific eligibility criteria or to learn more about the application process, please contact our team or visit our “How to Apply” section.

What is the program like?

Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village offers a supportive, community-focused environment designed to help individuals and families transition out of homelessness and into permanent housing. The program provides both immediate shelter and long-term support services, including case management, life skills training, job readiness programs, and access to healthcare and other community resources.

Residents are encouraged to participate in personal development and goal-setting activities, which are tailored to each individual or family’s needs. The goal is to empower residents with the tools and support they need to become self-sufficient, secure stable housing, and integrate back into the community.

We emphasize a collaborative and respectful atmosphere, where residents are supported by compassionate staff, volunteers, and local partners. Our program is centered on holistic care—addressing not only housing needs but also physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Every neighbor (tenant) is required to pay a small rent, and participate in program functions.

If you’re interested in joining the program, we offer a welcoming, safe environment where you can take the first steps toward a brighter future.

How did you start?

Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village began as a response to the urgent needs brought about by the devastating Maui wildfires of August 8th, 2023. When the fires ravaged large areas of Maui, including parts of Kula and the entire town of Lahaina, Pukalani Church of the Nazarene was one of the first organizations to step forward to help. Initially, the church opened its doors as an emergency shelter, offering a safe place for those who had lost their homes or were displaced by the fires.

As the scope of the disaster became clear, the church quickly transitioned into a distribution hub, coordinating daily runs into the hardest-hit areas of Kula and Lahaina to deliver food, water, supplies, and essential resources. The community’s response was incredible, and volunteers from across the island came together to support these efforts.

However, as time went on, it became evident that the most immediate and pressing need was long-term housing for those who had lost everything. The church trusted in God’s leading and, with faith and a deep sense of responsibility to serve their neighbors, decided to launch Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village. This initiative was designed to provide not just temporary shelter, but a sustainable solution for families and individuals facing homelessness, both as a result of the wildfires and from broader housing instability in the region.

Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village was born out of a vision to provide not only housing but holistic support, empowering residents to rebuild their lives with dignity and self-sufficiency. Through the compassion and unity of the church and the local community, we continue to serve those in need, following God’s call to be a beacon of hope and healing in the wake of tragedy.

What are the houses like?

The homes at Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village are thoughtfully designed to provide comfort, functionality, and a sense of community for families in need. Each unit is a two-bedroom, 576 square-foot space that comfortably accommodates a family of up to four people. These homes are designed with efficiency and care, using 100% church labor to maximize land use while meeting the practical needs of our residents.

Each unit features:

A full kitchen with all the necessary appliances to prepare home-cooked meals.
A bathroom equipped with modern fixtures for convenience and privacy.
Furnishings to ensure that each home feels like a welcoming, livable space from day one.
The homes also have a front lanai (porch area) that encourages outdoor living and provides a peaceful space to relax or connect with neighbors. The units are connected by adjoining sidewalks, creating a sense of community and making it easy for residents to interact with one another in a safe and supportive environment.

To promote healthy living and sustainability, each home comes with a raised garden bed, allowing families to grow their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These green spaces provide not only a source of fresh food but also an opportunity for residents to engage with nature, learn new skills, and experience the joy of growing their own produce.

The houses were designed and built with great care by our church community, ensuring that each space serves the specific needs of our residents while fostering a sense of dignity, belonging, and hope. This approach reflects our commitment to providing not just housing, but a holistic, nurturing environment where families can heal, thrive, and work toward a brighter future in Christ.

Where do you get funding?

Christ has faithfully provided everything we need to operate Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village, and we give all glory to God for His provision. We are committed to remaining completely privately funded, ensuring that we can operate our program in a way that aligns with our values and God’s leading—without reliance on ANY government funding.

Our funding comes from a variety of generous sources, including:

It is through the faithful support of people like YOU that we can continue to provide housing, services, and hope to families in need. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us. Together, we are making a lasting impact on our community, all for the glory of God!

Are you Nazarene Compassionate Ministries approved?

Yes, Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village is officially recognized as a Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM) approved initiative. NCM is the global compassion arm of the Church of the Nazarene, dedicated to responding to human need and alleviating suffering in the name of Jesus Christ.

As part of this global network, our program adheres to the values and standards set forth by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, ensuring that we provide compassionate care, promote dignity, and offer holistic support to individuals and ‘ohanas in need. Our work is guided by a commitment to faith, service, and community transformation, in alignment with the core mission of the Church of the Nazarene.

Through NCM’s framework, we are able to connect with a wider network of support and training, which strengthens our ability to serve those affected by homelessness and other challenges. Being part of this network allows us to build on a strong foundation of global Nazarene compassion, while still tailoring our program to the specific needs of our local community here in Maui.

Are your houses sustainable?

Yes, our homes at Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village are designed with sustainability at their core, combining environmentally friendly practices with practical solutions to ensure long-term resilience and self-sufficiency for the families we serve.

Here are the key sustainable features of our homes:

Solar Power: All of our homes are completely powered by solar energy. This allows us to achieve energy independence, reducing our reliance on the grid and minimizing environmental impact. Solar power also ensures that our 'ohanas (families) stay connected to essential services, like the internet and electricity, even during power outages that can occur on the island.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Every home is equipped with Energy Star-approved appliances that run efficiently and work seamlessly with our solar system. These appliances help keep energy costs low while reducing the overall environmental footprint of each home.
Raised Garden Beds: To encourage self-sufficiency and healthy living, each home includes raised garden beds where families can grow their own fresh produce. This promotes sustainable food practices, allows for homegrown fruits and vegetables, and encourages residents to live in harmony with the environment.
Use of Local Materials and Labor: Our homes were built with a strong commitment to supporting the local community. We utilized locally sourced materials and 100% volunteer labor from our church family, ensuring the homes are not only built efficiently but also reflect the spirit of collaboration and care for our island.
Water Conservation: We are mindful of Maui's limited water resources and have incorporated water-saving fixtures and practices throughout the village. Our homes and community spaces are designed to promote responsible water use, helping preserve this precious resource.
Community Water Station: One of the standout features of our sustainability efforts is our Waiea Water Machine, which produces up to 100 gallons of fresh, clean drinking water daily by extracting moisture from the humidity in the air. This community water station ensures that families have access to the cleanest, most sustainable water source available, reducing dependence on bottled water and helping to meet the daily hydration needs of our residents.
Community Connection: The design of the village fosters a deep sense of community. With shared spaces, interconnected homes, and a commitment to sustainable practices, residents are encouraged to collaborate, share resources, and support one another. This community connection strengthens our collective commitment to sustainability and creates a nurturing environment where families can thrive together.

At Pukalani Nazarene Compassion Village, sustainability goes beyond just energy and water conservation—it’s about creating a holistic environment where families can flourish in both practical and spiritual ways, while caring for the land and resources entrusted to us.