Intergenerational Housing Project Pairs Elderly Residents With College Students

A groundbreaking housing initiative is addressing two of Honolulu’s most pressing challenges simultaneously: the isolation many elderly residents face and the sky-high cost of living that burdens college students across the island.

The Generations Together program, launching this fall through a partnership between the University of Hawaii at Manoa and local nonprofit Kupuna Care Hawaii, will match carefully screened college students with seniors who have extra bedroom space in their homes. Students receive affordable housing in exchange for providing companionship and light assistance with daily tasks.

“We’re seeing magic happen when these two generations connect,” said Maria Santos, executive director of Kupuna Care Hawaii. “Our pilot families have shown us that this isn’t just about solving housing — it’s about creating ohana.”

The program addresses a critical need in Honolulu, where the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment now exceeds $1,800 monthly, pricing out many students. Meanwhile, Census data shows nearly 30% of seniors in Hawaii live alone, with many struggling with social isolation in homes that have become too large for their needs.

Under the program structure, students pay between $400-$600 monthly for a private bedroom, significantly below market rates. In return, they commit to spending at least 10 hours weekly with their elderly housemate, helping with tasks like grocery shopping, technology assistance, or simply sharing meals and conversation.

Careful Matching Process

Program coordinators spend weeks vetting both parties, conducting background checks, home visits, and personality assessments. Participants attend orientation sessions covering everything from cultural sensitivity to emergency protocols.

“We’re not just throwing people together and hoping for the best,” explained Dr. Jennifer Kim, the program’s academic coordinator at UH Manoa. “Every match considers lifestyle compatibility, schedules, interests, and communication styles.”

The pilot phase, which began six months ago with 12 matched pairs across neighborhoods from Kaimuki to Kailua, has shown promising results. Surveys indicate 85% of participants report improved quality of life, with seniors noting decreased loneliness and students expressing greater academic focus due to stable, affordable housing.

Take 78-year-old Robert Tanaka of Manoa, who welcomed UH nursing student Jessica Reyes into his three-bedroom home last January. Tanaka’s wife passed away two years ago, leaving him rattling around in a house filled with memories but lacking daily companionship.

“Jessica brings life back into this house,” Tanaka said. “She helps me with my iPad, I teach her to make my famous spam musubi. We watch ‘Jeopardy!’ together every night. It’s like having a granddaughter nearby.”

For Reyes, the arrangement solved multiple problems. The Kauai native couldn’t afford Honolulu’s rental market on her part-time job income, and dorm life didn’t suit her study habits.

“Mr. Tanaka gives me a quiet space to focus on my studies, but also this incredible wisdom about life,” she said. “He’s helped me understand Hawaiian history in ways no textbook could.”

Expanding Island-Wide

The program’s success has attracted attention from other Hawaii colleges and senior service organizations. Plans are underway to expand to Hawaii Pacific University students and extend into West Oahu communities by spring 2024.

Funding comes through a combination of grants from the Hawaii Community Foundation, federal aging services dollars, and modest program fees. The total annual budget of $150,000 supports two full-time coordinators and ongoing support services.

Safety measures include 24-hour emergency hotlines, monthly check-ins, and clear agreements about boundaries and expectations. Both parties can request new matches if compatibility issues arise, though coordinators report this has been necessary in fewer than 15% of cases.

The program also offers optional group activities, including monthly potluck dinners and cultural outings around Oahu. These gatherings help build a broader community among participants and reduce any potential awkwardness in individual living situations.

Applications for the fall semester expansion open Monday, with information sessions scheduled throughout July at senior centers and college campuses. Priority goes to students in healthcare, education, and social work fields, though all majors are welcome.

As Honolulu continues grappling with affordable housing shortages and an aging population, Generations Together offers a uniquely local solution that honors the island’s values of intergenerational respect and community care. The program represents what’s possible when creative thinking meets genuine need — proving that sometimes the best solutions are the ones that help everyone involved.