Founder’s Day with The Institute for Human Services: A little kindness goes a long way

In 1978, Father Claude DuTeil and his wife, Tutu Bert, began handing out peanut butter sandwiches to their unsheltered neighbors in Chinatown on Oahu. The peanut butter ministry has grown into what is now The Institute for Human Services (IHS), which reaches thousands of unsheltered individuals through their shelters, housing programs, and supportive services every year. When Father Claude DuTeil and Tutu Bert first began handing out peanut butter sandwiches, I don’t think they imagined just how great of impact their small act of kindness would have on our community, but their legacy continues to live on, even years later. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, IHS celebrated Founder’s Day, marking 48 years of service.

IHS graciously invited Hawaiian Electric to be part of their celebration, so our employees and their ohana on Oahu joined to help with sprucing up their emergency shelters with a fresh coat of paint! I was excited to volunteer for the event, especially since homelessness is an issue that holds personal significance.

Our volunteers split up into two groups to help at both the Men’s and Women’s & Family Emergency Shelters in Chinatown and Iwilei — I helped at the Women’s & Family Shelter! Before we began working, the IHS staff gave a background on the work they do and the different groups they serve through each of their initiatives, such as veterans and those facing substance abuse. The Emergency Men’s Shelter alone serves over 1,000 meals every day. Aside from Founder’s Day, our employees have the opportunity to help serve the dinner plates a few times each month, which has become a favorite volunteer event among many of our employees!

After we were briefed on IHS’s mission and our assignment for the day, we quickly got to work. At the men’s shelter, our volunteers worked hard to give it a complete makeover.

“Our volunteers came together to refresh the Emergency Men’s Shelter by painting the dining hall and sleeping quarters. Serving up to 120 men each night, the shelter provides an essential place of rest and support. The fresh coat of paint helps create a brighter, welcoming environment that fosters comfort, and a more inviting space for those who utilize the facility,” said Ricky Honma, one of our community relations specialists.

At the Women’s & Family Shelter, we painted the entire third floor of the building, which includes the cafeteria and some of the donated clothing that guests can choose from. Some of our volunteers got on their hands and knees to meticulously paint the wall trims, while others stretched to reach the higher areas, making sure every spot was covered with fresh paint.

As we painted, I imagined the individuals and families who walk through the halls and their profound strength as they work towards regaining their independence. At the same time, I felt a sense of comfort that our state has organizations like IHS who are supporting the unhoused community. If Father Claude DuTeil and Tutu Bert didn’t make the effort to start their peanut butter ministry decades ago, we may not have had the robust system that IHS is today to depend on.

When everyone finished painting, Father Claude DuTeil’s son, Duke DuTeil, shared a video message, which was followed by a short message from Connie Mitchell, the executive director for IHS. Their passion for IHS’s mission reminded me that there are a lot of people who are already fighting the good fight, but additional support from more people always helps.

Being part of Founder’s Day was a humbling experience that I am truly grateful for. We are blessed to have been able to make a small contribution to IHS’s efforts, and I hope the guests feel the love and support from everyone rooting for them, both near and from afar.

Hawaiian Electric has been partnering with IHS for nearly 20 years. Our employees continue to help in small ways and contribute their own “peanut butter sandwiches” in different forms, whether it be serving dinner at the men’s shelter or helping in other capacities. I’m curious to see the growth and impact that IHS will have on our communities another 48 years from now, but I know one thing is certain: no act of kindness goes to waste! Mahalo to The Institute for Human Services for allowing us to be part of the Founder’s Day celebration!

Interested in supporting The Institute for Human Services? Learn more about how to get involved here.