RAM member helps build dreams

As a Realtor, Ashley Correa knows firsthand the intangible benefits of owning a home.

That’s why she’s doing her part to make homeownership dreams come true through Habitat for Humanity Maui. Correa joined the nonprofit’s board of directors in March and is now helping the organization advance its mission to build decent housing and renovate substandard housing in partnership with potential homeowners and community volunteers.

Prior to joining the board, Correa was one of those community volunteers. “I’ve done previous volunteer work for Habitat for Humanity with family, friends and also Kamehameha Schools,” she said. “One of the homes we worked on turned out to be for a family member of someone I am friends with. That made the work so much more special … since then, I’ve always had so much respect for and belief in Habitat for Humanity.”

As a newly minted board member, she said, “I love getting to witness all the various work that Habitat for Humanity does. Since joining the board, I’ve learned that this organization does so much more than build homes. While building homes is a major part of what we do, we also have our ‘Brush with Kindness’ program that helps lower-income homeowners who are struggling to maintain their home to revitalize their home to a habitable living condition again. It’s heartwarming to see Habitat for Humanity serve our local community in so many ways.”

Since it became an affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International in 1997, Habitat for Humanity Maui has built or renovated 160 homes in Maui County. The nonprofit offers a variety of housing programs to applicants who meet all Habitat for Humanity Maui guidelines. Through its homeownership program, it builds and sells homes to underserved families—those who fall within 25 to 80 percent of Maui County’s area median income—at a zero-interest and no-profit basis. It also assists qualified homeowners in need of critical repairs and retrofits through the “Brush with Kindness” home preservation program. No matter the program or project, Habitat for Humanity Maui works toward a singular goal: To provide strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter.

You can help the nonprofit achieve its goal by volunteering to help build, renovate or repair a home. No construction skills? No problem. Training is provided, so all you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. You can also participate in events like the annual Build-a-Thon fundraiser, International Women Build Week events or Habitat for Humanity Maui’s first-ever Pride Build on Saturday, Oct. 22. Volunteers are also needed to lend a hand at Habitat for Humanity Maui’s ReStore in Waikuku, a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used building materials and household goods.

Habitat for Humanity Maui will participate in this year’s Maui County Charity Walk, a hybrid event that will be held virtually Aug. 13-30 and in person at the War Memorial Sports Complex on Saturday, Aug. 20. You can support Habitat for Humanity Maui by making a donation or joining the nonprofit’s team. (Or both.)

And mark your calendars: Habitat for Humanity Maui’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Wailea Blue Golf Course. “We are looking for teams of four, which can enter at $800 per team—$200 per person—and/or sign up for sponsorship opportunities,” Correa said. “It will be a four-person best ball scramble and there will be special competitions, prizes, as well as an awards luncheon to follow at Manoli’s Wailea.”

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Maui and its programs, visit www.habitat-maui.org or call (808) 242-1140. To support the nonprofit through this year’s Maui County Charity Walk, visit https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/Maui/team/HabitatMaui. For information about Habitat for Humanity Maui’s 18th Annual Golf Tournament or to inquire about donor or sponsorship opportunities, contact Correa at (808) 298-8354 or ashley.correa@compass.com.

The Maui News – July 1, 2022