Arc of Maui County received a $45,000 grant from the Nareit Foundation that will be utilized to renovate 12 bathrooms for 20 residents living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in four group homes on Maui.
The group homes include two in Kahului, and one each in Kīhei and Lahaina. Each has five full-time residents.
Licensed by the Department of Health, the nonprofit Arc of Maui County and its trained staff provide the 20 residents with a range of supervised support services around the clock, including personal care, food preparation, taking medications, behavioral support, and transportation.
Aspen Wallwork, Chief Executive Officer of Arc of Maui County, said having the men’s and women’s bathrooms undergo a much needed makeover is critical to improving the residents’ quality of life and supporting their goal for greater independence.
The grant funding will make the 12 bathrooms more functional and aesthetically pleasing for adaptive living, especially for residents using wheelchairs. Some bathrooms will have bathtubs removed and replaced with showers to improve accessibility while others with existing walk-in showers will be upgraded.
Other improvements include the installation of new flooring, lighting and furnishings, including customized bathroom vanities that will make it easier for residents in wheelchairs to take care of their personal needs and hygiene.
“On behalf of our clients, staff and board of directors, Arc of Maui County is extremely thankful for this newfound partnership with the Nareit Foundation,” said Wallwork. “Housing needs for adults with disabilities is a high priority and very needed. We are grateful to the Nareit Foundation for the services they provide to better our community and for the support to renovate 12 bathrooms within our four residential group homes on Maui.”
Nareit Hawaiʻi Executive Director Gladys Quinto Marrone noted that funding essential improvements for those in need is a vital factor in supporting affordable housing projects.
“Maui is a stronger community because of Arc of Maui County and the care their dedicated staff provides our fellow residents requiring some daily assistance to be safe, healthy, and live happily,” said Marrone. “We are proud to support such an important project that is so vital to the future wellbeing of so many people.”