LiHU'E, Kaua'i — A new shelter on Kaua'i opened just in time for Christmas to help 16 homeless families.

Ka Uapo ("The Bridge") homeless program was dedicated Friday on the grounds of the former Lihu'e courthouse. It's the second homeless shelter to open on former state land on Kaua'i.

"It really warms my heart knowing that these families will have a roof over their heads until they can get back on their feet, especially during the holidays," said Kaua'i Mayor Bryan Baptiste.

The courthouse, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, was renovated into 19 transitional housing units and will be converted back to office space when permanent affordable housing units are constructed over the next two years, according to county officials.

Gov. Linda Lingle signed an emergency declaration that allowed chang-es to be made to the former courthouse so families could move in.

"Ka Uapo will provide homeless families with a safe place to live while they receive services and resources they need to transition into permanent housing," Lingle said.

Participating families are required to develop plans to address their housing needs and finances, create a budget, make monthly deposits in a savings account, meet with a case manager and complete a training program.

"It wasn't easy to be homeless, and it won't be easy to be in this program," said MaBel Ferreiro-Fujiuchi, CEO of Kaua'i Economic Opportunity, a partner in the project. "But the end result will be great.

The courthouse was transformed into a shelter in about five months, and it also retained its status on the National Register of Historic Places.

The budget for the project was $800,000, but only $543,000 was spent, said Edwin Santa Maria, an architect for the state Department of Accounting and General Services. It was built through a partnership with the county, state and Kaua'i Economic Opportunity.

Lingle also announced the release of $1 million in construction money for 40 more affordable rental units at Kalepa Village in Hanama'ulu.

The Kalepa Village project has 100 units built with another 40 scheduled for completion in March.

Construction on 40 additional units will begin in March and be completed in November.

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