Who We Are
Our History
Executive Director Scott Hansen is a Maui resident who lives and serves alongside his ʻohana with a deep respect for the people, culture, and land of this island. While his early outreach work began on the streets of New York City with City Relief, Scott’s long-term commitment is rooted firmly in Maui, where he and his family have made their home and continue to build lasting relationships within the community.
In 2019, Scott felt called to bring his experience in street outreach to Maui, understanding that service here requires listening first, moving with humility, and honoring ʻike kūpuna and local leadership. Together with his team, Scott has committed to learning, practicing, and upholding culturally appropriate approaches—recognizing that dignity, trust, and healing must be grounded in respect for Native Hawaiian values and community context.
Maui Rescue Mission is lead with an emphasis on presence, cultural sensitivity, and accountability to the communities served. His family remains an integral part of the mission, reinforcing the belief that meaningful service on Maui is relational, place-based, and guided by aloha. Across all moku of Maui, Scott and his team work to uplift individuals experiencing homelessness with compassion, humility, and an enduring commitment to doing the work the right way.
A groundbreaking mobile concept was born: offering access to private hot showers, as an alternative to public beach facilities, along with laundry services and additional resource connections for the guests we serve.
Through this process, our team uncovered a critical need for consistent outreach to engage and support the unhoused and unsheltered community on Maui, many of whom are struggling with a combination of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs.
Our aim continues to be to build trust, facilitate healing, and guide individuals towards a new life in Christ, offering a path of hope and transformation.
Our Team
Scott Hansen
Executive Director
Scott and his ʻohana have lived in Kula since relocating to Maui in 2019, fully embracing the people, culture, and spirit of the island.
Their commitment extends across all moku of Maui, where they serve the houseless community with relentless love, cultural respect, and a deep sense of responsibility to uplift every individual with dignity and compassion. Each day, Scott continues to serve with the same conviction that brought him here: faith, humility, and a heart for people who too often go unseen.
For the past decade, Scott has dedicated his life to serving individuals experiencing homelessness with unwavering humility, heart, and consistency. His journey began in New York City with City Relief, where he first volunteered during Saturday night outreaches. What started as a simple act of service quickly grew into a calling. Scott felt a deep conviction to leave his former profession and step into full-time street outreach—meeting people where they are, without judgment, and with the compassion of faith in action.
He went on to serve as an outreach leader across New York and New Jersey, building meaningful relationships and strengthening his belief that every person deserves dignity, presence, and care. In 2019, Scott felt led to bring this mission to Maui, where the needs were great and the call was clear. From their home in Kula, Scott’s ʻohana has become an essential extension of the mission—supporting outreach, engaging in community life, and sharing aloha with the same sincerity Scott brings to every interaction.
Today, Scott continues to guide Maui Rescue Mission with steadfast compassion and a deep love for the people of this island. His leadership reflects a belief that hope is built through presence, trust, and love in action.
Tania Hansen
Community Advocate
With a background in healthcare and a deep commitment to social justice, Tania brings a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to outreach and community bridge-building.
In her role with Maui Rescue Mission, Tania works to uplift the voices of unhoused neighbors, connect individuals with essential resources, and help advance solutions rooted in dignity and cultural awareness. Born out of a desire to serve, she is dedicated to strengthening community relationships and improving the well-being of Maui’s most vulnerable residents.
Board Members
Steve Franz
Board Chair
Christopher Collins
Treasurer
Bill Funk
Executive Board Member