Fact:

--22% of Hawai`i residents live in “worst case” housing

--some 71,004 of all housing units in Honolulu County alone are in substandard condition

--it is estimated that some 6,000 people have no place to live at all

--one of every five residents are spending more than half

the family income for overcrowded, dilapidated places to live

--the number of affordable housing units in Hawai`i is shrinking

Some people say such news is disturbing. More and more of us are saying it’s appalling.

One further fact: Habitat for Humanity has built more than 200 homes here since 1988 and plans to add 200 more in the next 5 years.

We’re going to get serious here on the morning news. Homelessness and folks living in the equivalent of garbage dumps is no way for anyone in Hawai`i to live. And there’s an outstanding organization that is doing more than wring their hands over this morally embarrassing situation: Habitat for Humanity.

This Memorial Day Weekend Ala Moana and Ward Centers are donating space. In these spaces, you will find something called “Family Portraits”. You’ll know them when you see them. You will be asked to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity. All you get materially in return is a sticker to wear.

But you will know that your donation will help put a roof over the heads of those people who need one most. That makes your sticker mean something. Wear it with pride! All Hawai`i Stand Together!

Now, it’s up to you.