A Healthy Independent Living Community for Hawaii's Seniors

Courtyard in one of the six two-story buildings

For many of Hawaii's seniors, "affordable housing" and "health and well-being" aren't usually mentioned in the same conversation. Franciscan Vistas Ewa however, is an affordable, independent living community developed by St. Francis, a Catholic Healthcare System in Hawaii. It is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, where the health and well-being of Hawaii's seniors are a top priority.

Ewa Villages is located on the Leeward Coast of Oahu. Franciscan Vistas Ewa is comprised of six two-story buildings. Each has 24 apartments and a community center where residents can gather for health, recreation, social, and cultural activities. The target audience is Hawaii's seniors earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income. The apartments include environmentally-friendly features such as Energy Star refrigerators, high efficiency showerheads, and faucets, and solar water heating.

Exercise room with modern equipment

Unique to Hawaii is the "Stay Healthy at Home" - a health and wellness program available to all residents of Franciscan Vistas Ewa. Seniors can participate in recreational programs and activities at the community center. They can exercise at the fitness center. Residents can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. They can participate in wellness programs or get connected to the Internet and the information superhighway at the learning and activity center. Other programs available include concerts, cultural activities, social clubs, ethnic clubs, health screenings, arts and crafts, music and dance, and a farmer's market.

The project was funded, in part, with a $2.7 million Community Development Block Grant and $450,000 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program.

Content Archived: October 18, 2013