Gene-Ann Kahanaoi and her husband, Ernest, were caught in a damaging cycle of drugs for more than a decade.

A few years ago the situation was grim — the state took away their newborn baby, Ernest was in jail, and Gene-Ann was homeless.

But since then, the two have been working hard to turn their lives around and be better parents to their children. Ernest completed drug treatment in 2005, and Gene-Ann graduated from treatment last year. Gene-Ann also earned her high school equivalency certificate.

"I cannot fix what I've done already, but I can just make it better from here on, so that's what we're trying to do," Gene-Ann said. "My younger kids, I try to make it better for them. I don't want them to be messed up like we were. I don't want them to have to go through what we went through."

The family is reunited and lives in temporary housing. Both Gene-Ann and Ernest are drug-free and have jobs, although they don't make much money. They have seven children, with the two oldest living on their own.

Tough challenges still remain for the Kahanaoi family.

The family's two-year time limit at Weinberg Village Waimanalo is up Dec. 15, which means they need to find new housing soon. They've been on the waiting list for public housing and have been looking elsewhere but so far have not found any housing they can afford.

If those housing alternatives are exhausted by the middle of this month, "the only option would be to go back to the beach," Gene-Ann said.

And while the couple is healthier and happier now that they're off drugs, other health issues are catching up. Ernest, in particular, has diabetes and takes insulin.

Gene-Ann makes minimum wage as a convenience store cashier, and as a laborer, Ernest sometimes only gets a few days of work per week.

The couple also is paying off debts — like old traffic tickets — that accumulated in their past.

But despite the tough road ahead, Gene-Ann said their life of drugs is behind them.

"We go to church, and we're really strong in that, and we're really strong against drugs now," she said. "Hopefully the housing kicks in. That's what we're hoping for."

The Kahanaois' wish list includes a couch to replace an old, worn one, and any help to repair their car.

The couple also would like for their older children to have some clothes. Their 16-year-old daughter wears a size 7, their 14-year-old son wears size 18/20 pants, and their 10-year-old son wears size 12 pants. Their two boys also have been asking for bikes.

Their 3-year-old daughter would like an easel for drawing and a small table with a tea set. The Kahanaois also would appreciate some toys for their 6-month-old daughter.

Visit myAdvertiser.com to find news and information about your neighborhood.

HOW TO DONATE

Send checks, payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund," to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817. Helping Hands will accept credit card donations by telephone, 440-3831. Monetary donations may also be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch or The Advertiser's cashier desk.

To donate online, go to: honoluluadvertiser.com and click on the Christmas Fund icon. Monetary donations help operate Community Clearinghouse programs year-round.

The Advertiser's "Secret Santa" will match the first $25 of every donation to the fund. The anonymous philanthropist last year pitched in $32,600.

Material goods may be taken to the Community Clearinghouse, 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For large-item pickup and additional information, call 440-3804.

Donations may be made to particular families, but please specify the family. The money will be given in the form of a Wal-Mart, Kmart or Longs gift certificate.

Reach Lynda Arakawa at larakawa@honoluluadvertiser.com.