A new 72-unit emergency, transitional and low-income affordable rental project officially opened today in Wai'anae.

Kahikolu 'Ohana Hale 'O Wai'anae is the result of a collaboration between the state, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Inc. and the Hawai'i Coalition of Christian Churches.

The facility incorporates an emergency shelter for short-term assistance and a transitional shelter that will allow residents to stay for up to two years. The transitional shelter will also provide a nursery/preschool, case-management programs, life-skills training and other services to help residents become self-sufficient.

"Government often cannot solve difficult problems alone," said Gov. Linda Lingle, who attended today's dedication ceremony. "Thanks to the collaboration between the state, private and nonprofit organizations and the community, we are making progress in addressing homelessness in our state. We are also focusing our efforts on increasing the availability of affordable housing as well as addressing factors that lead to homelessness, including the rising cost of living for our residents."

The shelter began accepting clients early this month.