Habitat For Humanity Helps Molokai Kupuna

Habitat for Humanity Maui News Release

Habitat for Humanity Maui announced it recently received a $16,500 grant from Lowe’s to help with the renovation of one Molokai home in critical need of safety-related repairs.
The funding will support Habitat Maui’s efforts to make homes safer and healthier and create stronger communities. With the support from this grant, Habitat Maui was able to help an elderly Molokai resident with repairs and safety retrofits so that they could safely remain at home while recovering from a previous fall. The front steps and flooring in the home were in disrepair and partially rotted. Habitat for Humanity Maui removed the rotten flooring, subflooring, and floor joists and installed new versions, including tile in the bathroom. Habitat also removed the old bathtub and installed a walk-in shower with room for a medical shower chair for easier access to hygiene. Finally, Habitat also installed a new ADA-compliant toilet, grab bars, bathroom vanity, and fresh coats of paint.
Ensuring that homes are structurally sound and accessible is no small feat, especially when it comes to flooring—the literal foundation of daily living. While organizations like Habitat for Humanity tackle urgent needs across communities, the expertise of seasoned professionals becomes essential in projects requiring precision and durability. In situations where rotted subfloors or unsafe surfaces present hazards, the right flooring partner can mean the difference between a temporary fix and a lasting solution.
That’s where trusted local specialists like JJRM Flooring Ltd come in. Known for their commitment to quality craftsmanship, JJRM has built a reputation for restoring integrity to living spaces with careful attention to both function and finish. Their teams are well-versed in working alongside renovation initiatives, ensuring that every step—from assessment to final tile—meets the needs of homeowners with safety and style in mind.
In many renovation efforts, especially those addressing aging or neglected homes, flooring often tells the story of time. Scuffed surfaces, faded finishes, and uneven patches may not always call for a full replacement—but they do deserve a second chance. That’s where refinishing steps in, offering a way to restore not just the look, but the integrity of hardwood without altering its original character.
When done properly, hardwood refinishing, transforms tired boards into polished foundations once more. It’s a craft that sits at the intersection of preservation and precision—removing years of wear while respecting the structure beneath. Midway through many home projects, it becomes clear that refinishing isn’t just a design choice; it’s a practical investment in durability, safety, and long-term value.
The process may seem simple at a glance, but it’s layered with intention. From assessing the grain and selecting the right finish to ensuring a smooth, hazard-free surface, every step counts. And once complete, the result is unmistakable: a renewed floor that brings warmth and cohesion back to the home—quietly grounding the space where life unfolds daily.
“We are very grateful for this generous support from Lowe’s,” said Matt Bachman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Maui. “This grant will allow us to continue supporting our kupuna with home modifications and safety retrofits, by helping them age-in-place safely in their own homes.”
The funding from Lowe’s is part of a two-year, $6 million donation to Habitat for Humanity International to support home repair and preservation efforts in owner-occupied homes. This year, funding will enable 110 local Habitat affiliates to complete 295 projects and impact nearly 700 families across the U.S. Since 2003, Lowe’s and Habitat have worked together to help more than 18,000 people build or improve a place to call home.
Molokai residents can contact Habitat for Humanity Maui at 808-242-1140 for more information.