$50,000 grant for homeless and at-risk veterans

HONOLULU - Kaiser Permanente has awarded U.S.VETS Hawaii a $50,000 grant to support its Housing and Comprehensive Services for Homeless and At-Risk Veterans and Families program. The initiative is part of Kaiser Permanente's ongoing Built for Zero efforts to end veteran homelessness and provide long-term housing stability across Hawaii.

U.S.VETS Hawaii provides a full continuum of care for veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including transitional, long-term, and permanent housing options. The program also offers wraparound case management services, mental health and substance use treatment, women's programs, peer support, and workforce development assistance such as career counseling, job readiness workshops, and resume preparation.

The grant will help U.S.VETS Hawaii expand these critical services on Oahu, enabling more veterans to achieve lasting stability through housing and access to supportive programs. In partnership with community agencies and through its alignment with the Built for Zero initiative, U.S.VETS Hawaii has been instrumental in reducing veteran homelessness on the island and increasing available shelter and transitional housing units.

"Every veteran deserves a safe home and their communities' support to thrive," said Ed Chan, RD, FACHE, market president for Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii. "We're proud to support U.S.VETS Hawaii and its proven efforts to ensure those who have served our country can transition back to their civilian lives with dignity and stability."

"We are deeply grateful to Kaiser Permanente for its partnership and commitment to our nation's heroes," said Darryl Vincent, president and CEO of U.S.VETS. "This generous grant will allow us to expand critical housing and supportive services for veterans and their families across Hawaii. Together, we are not only helping veterans find stable homes, but also empowering them with the tools, resources, and care they need to build brighter, more independent futures."

Since its founding, U.S.VETS Hawaii has been a cornerstone of the community's commitment to ending veteran homelessness. The organization's integrated approach addresses not only the immediate need for shelter but also the underlying barriers to stability through holistic, trauma-informed care.

This grant is part of Kaiser Permanente's broader investment in Built for Zero, a national movement that brings together communities to measurably end homelessness through data-driven collaboration and sustainable housing solutions.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care services and improving the health of the communities it serves. These grants are the latest in a series of contributions from Kaiser Permanente of Hawaii to help residents throughout the state receive vital support services that impact their overall well-being. In 2024, Kaiser Permanente invested more than $38 million to expand access to care, increase affordable housing, support health care workforce development, and provide nutritious food to vulnerable people in Hawaii - including $6.1 million in community grants and scholarships.