The H2O Program was founded by Chef Mark in 2015, a local Hawaiian chef who refused to turn his back on his community. At a time when many were overlooked, he hired and housed unhoused Native Hawaiians and gave work, structure, and dignity to formerly incarcerated individuals searching for a second chance. Rooted in the Ahupuaʻa Mindset—an ancient Hawaiian way of life built on balance, responsibility, and caring for one another—H2O began as a grassroots act of service. After COVID, as families were displaced, priced out, and shut out of traditional lending, that act of service became a movement. Today, the H2O Program helps working families across Hawaiʻi and the U.S. mainland step into homeownership without credit, without large deposits, and without banks—because housing is not a privilege, it is the foundation of stability, dignity, and generational healing.

The H2O Program does not charge an upfront participation fee. Cost, if any, are structured within the housing pathway-not paid upfront.