Defense Department civilians, families offered on-post housing options

By Army Hawaii Family Housing, News ReleaseFebruary 5, 2009

Defense Department civilians, families offered on-post housing options
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Defense Department civilians, families offered on-post housing options
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Defense Department civilians, families offered on-post housing options
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – ALIAMANU MILITARY RESERVATION, Hawaii - Great views of Pearl Harbor and Honolulu are just some of the benefits of living in an Army Hawaii Family Housing (AHFH) community at Aliamanu Rim, Ft. Shafter, Red Hill and Tripler. Pictured is a home in AHFH'... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii - Nearly 20,000 Department of Defense (DoD) civilians provide vital support to Soldiers, families and military operations on the islands. Similar to active duty, many civilians often relocate to meet the military's needs; however, finding a home in the right community can be a challenge.

To help support its families, Army Hawaii Family Housing (AHFH) has made homes available to civilians who enjoy living in a close-knit community.

"Meeting the needs of AHFH's 5,700 Soldiers and their families is a great responsibility that requires a tremendous amount of work," said Lisa Reese, AHFH property management director, adding that she has gained "insight into what it takes to support military operations in the Pacific region and the importance of having a strong civilian workforce."

AHFH is able to support civilians, too, by providing them great communities to live in, she explained. The authorization allowing DoD civilians to live in AHFH communities comes from the Department of Defense, and thorough background and security checks are conducted before anyone who is not active duty is allowed to reside in an AHFH community.

Since DoD civilians do not receive basic allowance for housing (BAH), AHFH charges them a monthly rent fee that is commensurate to the BAH paid by Soldiers.

The DoD-authorized program does not in any way impact current policies "that ensure active duty Soldiers and their families remain a priority when it comes to housing needs," said Reese. "Every Soldier eligible to live in AHFH communities is offered a home before (they are) made available to civilians.

"It is AHFH's core mission to take care of our Soldiers' families," she emphasized.

DoD civilians can choose from a variety of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes located at Aliamanu Rim, Fort Shafter, Helemano, Red Hill, Schofield Barracks (Hamilton Community) and Wheeler.

Benefits include 24/7 maintenance services, on-site property management staff, complimentary lawn care, utilities (washer and dryer), central air in select homes, and convenience to work and schools.

"DoD civilians work alongside Soldiers and their families each day and truly understand their needs and value the service and sacrifice made by both Soldier and family," said Reese. "We're very happy to open our communities to civilians who support the military's mission in the Pacific."

Civilians interested in living on post should call AHFH's Leasing Offices at (808) 275-3700 (North) or (808) 275-3800 (South).

Floor plans, photos and other details can be found at <a href="http://www.armyhawaiifamilyhousing.com">www.ArmyHawaiiFamilyHousing.com</a>.