Renovations will start next month to transform two old, rundown buildings on the Salvation Army campus in Manoa into a long-term transitional shelter for homeless women and their children.

The shelter will house 12 women recovering from addictions — but who have already been through a treatment program — and their children for up to two years. It will be the only shelter in the Islands geared specifically to women recovering from substance abuse and their kids, said Linda Rich, the Salvation Army Family Treatment Service executive director.

The $2.2 million project is expected to be finished in late January.

The buildings for the shelter are empty but have housed substance-abuse programs for women in the past. Renovations will include the demolition of a portion of an existing building, plus a complete interior makeover, from new paint, flooring and appliances, to plumbing and electrical replacements.

Women and their children will be given rooms with furniture, and will also have access to a shared living room and kitchen, in addition to a computer and study room.

Rich said homeless women entering substance-abuse programs are often left hanging after completing treatment and are forced to return to the streets.

The return to homelessness often drives them back into substance abuse.

"There is a tremendous need," Rich said yesterday. "We're an important drop in the bucket, but still a small program compared to the need in the state."

The Salvation Army also operates Women's Way on 22nd Avenue in Kaimuki, a treatment program for women recovering from addictions and their children. The transitional shelter is designed to give women coming out of treatment a safe place to live while they save money, better themselves and stay clean.

Some of the women in the shelter will come from Women's Way.

Women in the program will be required to go to work or school.

And they will have access to a substance-abuse counselor and support group, along with a case manager who will help them apply for jobs or school, ensure they are keeping up with their finances and, finally, look for a home.

The shelter has gotten federal funding and donations or in-kind support from several businesses and nonprofits. Architects Hawaii is working pro bono to oversee the work.

The facility will be next to Waioli Team Room, and nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood. So far, the Salvation Army said it has not heard any concerns about the project from residents. The project has been publicized, but the nonprofit has not addressed the community in a public meeting.

Paul Holtrop, chairman of the Manoa Neighborhood Board, said the Salvation Army should address the community at some point, even if it's not required. He added that he had not heard about the planned shelter.

Reach Mary Vorsino at mvorsino@honoluluadvertiser.com.