Government officials, staff, board members and community volunteers gathered Tuesday in Chinatown at River of Life Mission, clothed with aprons and gloves, to pack hot meals and snack bags that would later go out for delivery to its mobile outreach “hub spots” across Oʻahu.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness Jun Yang suited up to help fill food containers in celebration of the organization’s 40-year milestone of providing free meals and ministry to homeless individuals and at-risk kūpuna, keiki and ‘ohana. They also declared Nov. 4 as “River of Life Mission Day.”
In March, River of Life took to Instagram to thank its donors, team members and partners.
“As Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, ʻCommit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established This has been our guiding light,” per the nonprofit. “The best is yet to come! Here's to 40 years of God's love in action and many more miracles ahead!”
According to its website, River of Life served more than 200,000 meals, reaching an estimated 2,500 homeless per month, while helping 93 individuals transition from the streets to treatment programs in 2024.
The organization also hosts nearly 240 hub events monthly in partnership with local churches, ministries and service providers. At these designated hubs that convene weekly, individuals can receive a hot meal, connect to services and experience the gospel. It is recommended to connect with a River of Life team member before showing up to a hub to volunteer. The weekly calendar can be found here.
Executive Director Keali‘i Kane Gray, who assumed the role on Oct. 20, oversees the organization comprised of 16 employees and thousands of volunteers.
“I just started last month and am continually moved by the heart and humility of our team, our church partners, and the hundreds of volunteers who serve with such love and consistency,” Kane Gray said in an emailed response to questions from Aloha State Daily. “Seeing meals handed out with a smile, prayers prayed over families, and lives encouraged at HUB sites reminds me daily why this work matters. And I am deeply grateful for the faithful donors who make this ministry possible.”
She continued, “This recognition is incredibly humbling and truly belongs to our staff, volunteers, church partners and supporters who show up every day to serve with compassion and faith. We are grateful for the City and State leaders who walk alongside us — because addressing homelessness, hunger and poverty requires a united community. While these are challenging times, we move forward with confidence, knowing that through God’s grace and all of us working together, hope and transformation are possible.”
According to the organization, Kane Gray was selected among “many qualified candidates” amid a nationwide executive search that began earlier this year.
“In the end, the best candidate was one from our own backyard,” River of Life told ASD.
Born and raised in Kāneʻohe, Kane Gray has more than 30 years of experience in health care and telecommunications. She most recently served as director of business development for hospice care company Navian Hawaiʻi.
When asked what attracted her to the role at River of Life Mission, she said, “River of Life Mission has such a powerful legacy of ministry, compassion and life-changing impact here in our island home. When this opportunity arose, I truly felt called to serve. This is a season where our community needs hope, dignity and tangible support more than ever, and I knew I wanted to help strengthen and extend the reach of this mission across O‘ahu.”
Keali‘i holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in philosophy from Rutgers University in New Jersey and has completed MBA coursework at Hawai‘i Pacific University. She and her husband, Todd, attend Anchor Church in Kāneʻohe.
Looking ahead, Kane Gray says her kuleana is “to ensure we steward that growth well and sustainably.”
“The needs of our kūpuna, keiki and ‘ohana are increasing, and we are committed to strengthening partnerships with churches, HUB leaders, and service providers to continue meeting physical, emotional and spiritual needs — one life, one neighborhood, one meal at a time.”
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CONTACT
Address: 101 N. Pauahi St., Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: 808-524-7656
Email: info@riveroflifemission.org
Website: riveroflifemission.org
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
