Catholic Charities Hawaii recently completed a 12-apartment transitional housing complex for those who need help.

A grand opening ceremony is planned for today for the three-story complex, the Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Hale, for people including seniors, single mothers seeking reunification with their children and the developmentally disabled.

It is the final phase of the Clarence T.C. Ching 2.2-acre campus next to Catholic Charities headquarters on Keeaumoku Street in Makiki.

Contractors renovated the building, which features two-bedroom, one-bath units. It will offer affordable housing with a maximum stay of 18 months. Clients will reside at the site as they work with case managers, who will assist them with seeking permanent housing.

A two-story, single family home next to the building was demolished and converted into the Ulu Center, made up of five offices where families and case managers can meet.

The Catholic Charities Housing Development Corp., a subsidiary of Catholic Charities Hawaii, acquired the 15,374-square-foot parcel where the two structures are located fromFirst Presbyterian Churchwith the help of a $1.5 million grant from the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.

The site includes other features that opened in March 2010, including a multipurpose community hall, commercial kitchen and classrooms.

A majority of the organization’s programs are offered at the site, providing a one-stop shop for clients, said Jerry Rauckhorst, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Hawaii.

The programs were previously split among four locations in Honolulu. A number of clients bounced from one location to another, making it a challenge for those who depend on public transportation.

"We really got to look out for the clients we serve and at the same time be much more efficient. That’s what led us to the vision of bringing it all together at one location," said Rauckhorst.