Eden Plan Hawaii
Community values
self-sustainability
Our model is built on self-sustainability, a crucial principle in Hawaiʻi where resource reliance and high costs pose significant challenges. This value directly addresses the needs of the vulnerable populations we serve, teaching them the self-reliance necessary for a stable future. We foster this by ensuring:
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Food Independence: The community grows the majority of its food in our extensive gardens, which dramatically reduces reliance on expensive imports and directly provides fresh, nourishing meals to youth and community members.
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Fostering Ownership: Every member contributes to the maintenance of the land. This hands-on involvement provides real-world skill-building and instills a vital sense of ownership and collective responsibility—essential lessons for youth moving toward independence.
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Construction/Home Building: Through the tiny home construction and maintenance projects, those who volunteer gain practical, sought-after trade skills in carpentry, electrical work, team building, and much more. This not only equips them for future employment but also gives them the profound experience of building their own stability and permanence, replacing a lifetime of instability with a tangible, self-made asset.
Prevent Illness; Elevate Mood
We believe a meaningful lifestyle and diet are the foundation for health, significantly reducing the risk of chronic disease and mental illness. Our approach is to revitalize the health of our residents and community by emphasizing a simple, preventative lifestyle:
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Whole Food Nutrition: We prioritize organic, whole foods grown in our own gardens, recognizing its profound positive impact on mental and physical well-being.
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Physical Wellness: We encourage regular exercise and deep engagement with nature, including therapeutic gardening, which is proven to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress while improving mood and cognitive function.
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Community and Connection: We foster a strong sense of community and belonging, which is essential for improving overall quality of life and preventing isolation.
environmental sustainability
We are committed to environmental sustainability and mālama 'āina (caring for the land). Operating sustainably in an island environment is vital for reducing our environmental footprint and modeling responsible stewardship for the community. We achieve this by:
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Conserving Resources: We utilize solar power and water catchment systems to minimize utility costs and conserve precious resources.
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Regenerative Practices: We employ vermicomposting and other permaculture methods to convert organic waste into rich, healthy soil for our gardens, ensuring our system remains regenerative and closes the ecological loop.
community service
Service to our neighbors is a cornerstone of our community life, extending far beyond our immediate boundaries of Eden. Our work is a model for collective thriving in Hawaiʻi. When we prioritize our neighbors' needs—offering support, resources, and hope—we create a ripple effect of stability and opportunity for everyone. We believe true success is shared success, captured by the proverb: "Kāhi lima hana nui, nā lima e hana like ai" (One hand works hard; many hands work together).
Skills learned by residents
Life at Eden is designed for hands-on mastery. Residents acquire essential, marketable skills including advanced gardening and farming, construction and building techniques, responsible land stewardship, and foundational culinary and nutrition knowledge. These powerful skills foster self-reliance, creating a butterfly effect where every resident who achieves stability is prepared to teach, mentor, and support their neighbors.
