The nonprofit Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation today received a boost in its efforts to support Waianae’s young farmers seeking a future in agriculture with the awarding of a $100,000 grant from the Nareit Foundation.

The grant is supporting the MAʻO Kauhale: Empowering Communities Through Workforce Housing Initiative at MAʻO Organic Farms in Waianae Valley, which is providing safe, comfortable and affordable housing solutions for young farmers receiving mentoring and career training opportunities in agriculture.

Tina Tagad, Mā‘ona Director of Development and Impact for MA‘O Organic Farms, noted the MAʻO Kauhale housing initiative aligns with the goals of the Nareit Foundation by addressing the affordable housing crisis in Hawaii. “By creating access to affordable housing, we supplement the existing housing stock and provide a crucial support system for our young farmers working in Waianae,” said Tagad. “This initiative alleviates housing pressure and supports the agricultural sector, promoting sustainable farming practices and community development.”

According to Tagad, MAʻO Organic Farms grows more than 50 varieties of fresh organic produce and is providing hands-on experience to the young Waianae farmers of aloha ‘āina, or love of the land (teaches that if you take care of the land, it will take care of you).

Tagad added that the workforce housing and grant award is in keeping with the program’s unique mission. “We are building a future of mā‘ona, of plenty, by connecting youth and land through the daily practice of aloha ‘āina, empowering youth to succeed in college and secure sustaining careers, and growing organic produce that yields individual and communal vitality,” said Tagad.

The MAʻO Kauhale housing initiative will offer below market rental rates, rental and homeownership readiness and education opportunities, and reduce living expenses to enable residents to dedicate more time and resources to their food systems and community ambitions. By supporting the young staff’s journey toward self-sufficiency, the housing program is empowering them to develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive independently.

Presenting the $100,000 grant to the Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation were Nareit President and CEO Steve Wechsler and Nareit Hawaii Executive Director Gladys Quinto Marrone.

Wechsler commented, “We are honored to award this grant and admire the commitment, passion and innovation that the Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation and MA‘O Organic Farms have demonstrated in providing affordable housing for the Waianae community, while also supporting the next generation of farmers who are going to help feed the people of Oahu.”

The Nareit Foundation grant will be supporting the second phase of the MA‘O Kauhale housing program, which will provide affordable housing solutions for staff members who are training and mentoring the young farmers at MA‘O Organic Farms. Monthly rental rates will be kept below market to ensure the housing’s affordability and the offering of on-site accommodations is expected to support high employee retention rates and overall satisfaction among the team of workers at the farm.

Marrone expressed appreciation for how the MA‘O Kauhale housing program is giving Waianae’s young people the opportunity to live and grow in their community, and develop a career that will allow them to give back to the place they want to call home.

“The MA‘O Kauhale housing program and how it combines the providing of safe, affordable housing with the teaching and training of skills for Waianae’s young farmers to have a worthwhile and much-needed future in agriculture is unlike any other project that Nareit Hawaii has supported previously,” said Marrone. “MA‘O Organic Farms is a treasure for the Waianae community and it is a privilege for us to support them in their vision and dedication to elevate the importance of farming and agriculture for generations to come.”

The Waiʻanae Community Re-Development Corporation grant is funded by the Nareit Foundation and REITs in Hawaii as part of the Nareit Hawaii Community Giving Initiative, which supports affordable housing projects provided by nonprofit organizations. Hawaii REITs are long-term property holders that own, renovate and manage affordable housing projects, commercial buildings, medical facilities, shopping centers, logistical spaces and warehouses for small businesses, cell phone towers, public storage facilities, and hotels.