Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 40, Number 4, 1 April 2023 — Lydia House: A Safe Plaee in Downtown Honolulu [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Lydia House: A Safe Plaee in Downtown Honolulu

V E 'ONIPA'A KAKOU S ^ BE STEADFAST '

By Chiemi Davis ^ After years in development, an interim opening during the height of the C0VID-19 pandemic, and a complete renovation, Lydia House opened its doors to opio ages 16-26 at 205 S. Vineyard Street in downtown Honolulu on Feb. 21. This (re)engagement center for the youth, grounded in deep cultural roots, serves some of the most vulnerable members of the lāhui - "opportunity youth" - who may be aging out of the child welfare ( or juvenile justice systems. These kamali'i : may not be connected to school, work, i

or a resilient network of caring adults and just need a little more support to transition successfully into independent, self-determined adult lives. Lydia House's approach is rooted in the spirit of aloha and named in honor of the Queen. This safe, welcoming space is currently open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with expanded day_s and hours to eome. 'Opio who stop by Lydia House ean • Basic needs fulfilled including a hot shower, meal, access to laundry facilities, and wireless internet access. • A safe space to rest and relax. Comfortable couches with pillows and blankets create an inviting environment. A variety of instruments are available to play, too. • Connection to caring adults. The plan for Lydia House was generated after years of research, focus groups, and intensive discussions with dozens of community partners. While considerable ;ommunity resources are invested in ser/ices and programs for youth up to 18, :here was an opportunity for real impact jy extending care into early adulthood. For more information, visit www.lydahousehi.org or follow Lydia House on "aeehook and Instagram @LydiaHouseTI. No appointments are necessary; dropin during business hours. You ean also eall LTs Mālama Line at 808-466-8080. ■ Chiemi Davis is vice president and chiefprogram officer at Lili'uokalani Trust.

LT's newly opened "Lydia House" for youth oges 16-26 is ot 205 S. Vineyord St., on the corner of ] Vineyord St. ond Queen Emmo St. ocross from Princess Ruth Ke'elikōlani Middle School. - Photos: Lili'u- ( okalani Trust t

Lydio House provides youth ond young odults o sofe, welcoming spoce to rest ond relax. It is o ploee where they eon get o hot shower ond o meal, do their laundry, ploy music or occess free WiFi. This (re)engogement center is intended to serve vulneroble youth oging out of the child welfore or juvenile justice systems.