Message to Constituents from Councilmember Kymberly Marcos Pine -- Ewa, Waianae

For over eight years, Mary had lived happily in an apartment as a single mom in downtown Honolulu. In late February 2012, Mary lost her job and asked friends and family to help her stay in the apartment. This lasted for two months when until the lack of money finally forced Mary to choose between paying rent, making her car payment or providing food for her four children. Shortly after being evicted and moving from one home to another, Mary decided to erect a tent on the beach until she could find the help she needed.  Three years later, Mary is still struggling with homelessness. Now living  at the Wai'anae Boat Harbor, outreach workers are trying to help her transition her life to supportive housing. Unfortunately, stories like Mary’s are all too common, which is why I wanted to share resources available today to help someone that you may know, who is dealing with this personal struggle.

My focus is on the Leeward Coast, home of the third largest encampment of homeless individuals in our state, and contributor to our state’s population of unsheltered homeless individuals, which is consistently among the highest per capita in the country.  Source: The 2014 Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress

If you or a loved one needs assistance to avoid becoming homeless, there are resources available that I urge you to explore.  The Institute for Human Services (IHS) (447-2903) is an emergency resource center,  providing assistance to anyone with their ‘open door’ policy.  Clients are assessed, provided “triage” emergency services (including food, and hygienic items) and referred to the appropriate homeless resource service providers based on individual need.

In addition to IHS, some other resources for those struggling with homelessness include local service providers such as Partners in Care (874-1196) Catholic Charities (524-4673) and the Department of Veterans Affairs. (433-0660)

Emergency and transitional housing resources along the Leeward Coast include Family Promise (548-7478), Ohana Ola Kahumana (696-4095) Ulu Ke Kukui (620-9011) and Pai’olu Kaiaulu, US Vets (664-1400). More information can be found by clicking here.

There is also a non-emergency line provided by Aloha United Way at 275-2000 (or 211) and a statewide 24-hour homeless, suicide and crisis hotline at 832-3100. 

I welcome your comments and suggestions regarding homelessness or any City services. Please send an email to kmpine@honolulu.gov or call 768-5001 to share your thoughts and ideas.

Mahalo,

Oahu Homeless Resource Listing

Provided by the Partners in Care Hawaii

General (Non-Emergency) Line #275-2000 or 211

Institute for Human Services #447-2903

Partners In Care #874-1196

Catholic Charities #524-4673

Department of Veteran Affairs #433-0660

Click here for the Homeless Resource Listing

Volunteer Homeless Opportunities

Annual Statewide Homeless Point in Time Count

Help IHS, The Institute for Human Services, conduct a survey of all homeless individuals throughout the island of Oahu.

Mon, January 26, 2015 – Fri, January 30, 2015

Click here for more volunteer opportunities...