Twinkle Borge
Twinkle Borge | |
|---|---|
| Born | |
| Died | August 5, 2024 |
| Occupation | Activist |
| Known for | Matriarch of Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae |
Twinkle Borge was a Hawaiian activist who was involved with Hawaii's largest homeless encampment, Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae (or "the village").[1][2] This 20-acre property is in the back of Waiʻanae Valley to "provide shelter, stability, and hope for up to 300 people at a lower development cost and lower operating costs and rents than conventional affordable housing."[3] In 2020, fundraising was completed to purchase the land, and current efforts are focused to continue building the structures.[1][3]
Borge is known for her work and activism at "The Harbor"[4][5] located at the edge of the Waiʻanae Boat Harbor on the leeward side of Oʻahu.[4]
Borge passed on August 5, 2024. State of Hawaiʻi governor Josh Green released a statement praising Borge as an "incredible inspiration to so many".[6]
Early life
[edit]Borge is a native Hawaiian.[2] She states that her first name, Twinkle, is not a nickname but was chosen by her older sister.[7]
Homelessness and activism
[edit]Borge herself has lived in the camp for more than 15 years.[8] According to an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat, Borge arrived in 2006 and "...has for years been the undisputed leader of The Harbor, organizing a governance structure that includes a second-in-command and section captains.[4] In her role as the leader of the village, she selects 'captains' from the community to help with the camp's daily operations.[3]
In order to avoid sweeps, or clearances, of the village, Borge has liaised with the state government which owns the land on which the homeless camp is located.[8][9] In 2018, Borge and others led an effort to defend the village from eviction. In 2020, the village managed to purchase 20 acres of land in order to build more permanent housing.[9][10] This purchase was facilitated by Cades Shutte LLC.[11]
Honors and awards
[edit]- In 2021, Borge was the recipient of the Ho‘okele Award which honors leaders from the nonprofit sector[12]
- On August 21, 2021, Borge received the Ulu Hana: Pewa Award from the Partners In Development Foundation in recognition of "individual leaders who have made a significant difference in addressing and supporting critical community needs or challenges within the state of Hawaiʻi"[13]
- In 2023, Borge was included in the list of Hawai'i's Women of Influence by Hawaii Business magazine[7]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Twinkle Borge is the loving matriarch and steward of Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae homestead". Hawaii Public Radio. 2021-10-18. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ a b Graaf, Nicole (2017-09-28). "Homeless in a Hawaiian paradise". Al Jazeera Media Network. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ a b c "Frequently Asked Questions". Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ a b c Terrell, Jessica (2015-11-16). "The Shepherd Of The Harbor". Honolulu Civil Beat. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ Cherry, Amy (2019-08-15). "Spirit behind Hawaiian 'houseless' village could be solution to homelessness in Delaware, across US". WDEL-FM. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
- ^ "Homeless advocate, activist Twinkle Borge dies". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 2024-08-05. Retrieved 2024-08-09.
- ^ a b Coules, Ryann; Wagner, Kathryn Drury; DeJournett, Tori (2023-10-16). "Hawai'i's Women of Influence". Hawaii Business. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
- ^ a b "Hawaii's homeless have few places to go: 'They don't know what to do with us'". The Guardian. 22 Jun 2017. Retrieved 26 Jan 2023.
- ^ a b "Twinkle Borge". UH Better Tomorrow Speaker Series. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ "Pu'uhonua o Wai'anae buys 20-acre land parcel". Honolulu Star-Advertiser. 2020-02-22. Retrieved 2023-01-26.
- ^ Galarneau, Erika (2022-05-09). "Working together with the Community of Puʻuhonua O Waiʻanae". Cades Schutte. Retrieved 2023-04-12.
- ^ "Congratulations to the 2021 Ho'okele Award Recipients - Advancing Nonprofit Excellence". HawaiiCommunityLending.com. 2021. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
- ^ "Four unsung heroes recognized for their critical work in Hawaiʻi". Partners In Development Foundation. 2021-08-05. Retrieved 2023-04-12.