While Maui affordable housing projects are in the approval process, thousands of units are needed right now.

According to Habitat for Humanity Maui, the need for truly affordable housing options is extreme in all parts of Maui, but it is especially acute in Lahaina.

In the Realtors Association of Maui’s January 2020 report, the median sales price for a single-family home in Lahaina was $1,177,500!

Habitat also pointed to a November 2015 report by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism. Its data shows that between January 2008 and October 2015, only 27 percent of home buyers in West Maui were local residents – the lowest percentage of local buyers in the state.

Learn more about the issue and, most important, help create truly affordable housing here in Lahaina during Habitat for Humanity Maui’s 12th annual Build-a-Thon fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21-22, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will be working to complete the last five homes as part of Habitat Maui’s ten single-family affordable homes project in the Kahoma Residential Subdivision in Lahaina.

Participants are asked to have a personal goal of raising at least $100 in pledges or donations. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available to support the event.

All money raised will go toward construction costs for this project.

The event is expected to mobilize over 100 volunteers and make significant construction progress on several homes Habitat is building.

Lunches, snacks and door prizes will be provided. For more information about the 2020 Build-A-Thon, or any of Habitat for Humanity Maui programs or events, call 242-1140 or visit www.habitat-maui.org.

Help Habitat for Humanity Maui in its efforts to build and renovate housing, as well as eliminate homelessness and substandard housing on the island.