Early Monday morning on January 31th, 2005, Quinten and Shannon Cuesta moved into their first home, a three-bedroom duplex at Ke Aka Ho`onā. Their two teenagers, both straight-A students, took the day off from school to mark this once-in-a-lifetime family event.

Months before, the Cuestas had found themselves without a home after their landlord raised their rent. They moved their family to the beach when there seemed to be no other alternative and continued working their secure jobs. The children did their homework, often by flashlight and kept up the good grades, never missing assignments. This family prayed for a solution while extended family stepped in to help as best they could. Eventually they were able to move to Ma’ili Land Transitional Housing, operated by Catholic Charities Hawaii. It was here that they learned about Ke Aka Ho`onā and decided to submit an application for a vacant house in the community. When they got word that they would become the newest members in the neighborhood, it seemed too good to be true.

On their move-in day, the media was there to capture the celebration as Ke Aka Ho`onā families welcomed the Cuestas with smiles, introductions, food, and balloons.