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Finding Hope at Lanakila

August 24, 2026

From Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi

When Paulette moved to Hawaiʻi five years ago, she was looking for a place to heal.

After recovering from breast cancer surgery in California, she relocated to Oʻahu to be closer to her daughter. Soon after arriving, however, Paulette suffered a serious fall that caused a brain bleed and left her in a coma for three and a half days.

“I woke up in the hospital and thought I had fainted,” Paulette recalled. “The doctor said, ‘You’ve been in a coma for three and a half days.’”

After days in the trauma unit at The Queen’s Medical Center, Paulette began the difficult process of recovery. Along with the physical challenges, she faced financial hardship and uncertainty about finding stable housing.

Her daughter encouraged her to reach out to Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi.

Through the Rental and Utility Relief Program (RURP), a COVID-19 emergency assistance program, Paulette received help with the security deposit for her apartment. That assistance gave her a safe and stable place to live while she focused on rebuilding her life.

“They came through and helped me with the deposit on my apartment so I could move into my home,” Paulette said. “When someone comes to your aid without question during one of the hardest times in your life, you never forget it. Catholic Charities will always have a special place in my heart.”

But the impact didn't end with housing.

Nearly four years ago, Paulette's daughter encouraged her to become a member of Lanakila Multi-Purpose Senior Center, operated by Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi. There, Paulette found something just as important: community.

She participates in Tai Chi, exercise classes, educational presentations and other activities whenever her health allows. She visits Lanakila two or three times a week and enjoys staying active and connected with others.

“Anything physical,” she said with a laugh. “I like to keep moving.”

Transportation through The Handi-Van also helps Paulette stay connected to her medical appointments and Lanakila.

Today, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi remains a trusted resource for Paulette.

“If I need information or referrals, I always call Catholic Charities,” she said. “They’ve helped me so much, and I’ve referred friends there too.”

Paulette still lives with the effects of her brain injury, including gaps in her memory from that difficult time. But what she remembers most clearly is the compassion she received when she needed it.

“It’s been a journey,” she reflected. “But I’m still trekking along. Life is a journey. You only get one time around, so take advantage of it.”

Your support helps people keep moving forward

Paulette's story shows what can happen when someone has help at the right moment.

A housing deposit gave her stability when she was recovering. Lanakila gave her a place to stay active and connected. Transportation helps her continue participating in the community and getting to important appointments. And Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi remains there when she needs information, referrals or support.

Your generosity helps make that kind of support possible.

When you give to Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, you help people across our islands find stability, maintain independence, strengthen connections and move forward during some of life's most difficult moments.

For Paulette, one helping hand became the beginning of a longer journey toward healing, community and hope.

Your gift can help someone else find their next step.