GOVERNOR IGE ANNOUNCES NINE PERCENT DECREASE IN STATE’S HOMELESS POPULATION
News Release from Office of the Governor, May 10, 2017
HONOLULU – Hawai‘i’s homeless population has decreased for the first time in eight years. The annual Point in Time count—a census of people experiencing homelessness—showed a nine percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared to the same period last year.
The 2017 count found 7,220 homeless individuals across Hawai‘i compared to 7,921 in 2016.
“I commend the many partners who have gotten out of their silos, come to the table and rolled up their sleeves. Together, we are finding more efficient ways to move people off the streets and into homes. This report is proof that our collective efforts are working,” said Gov. Ige. “While today’s news indicates that the tide has turned, there is more to do. My administration remains focused on increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness in the State of Hawai‘i.”
Hawai‘i County saw the largest decrease at 32 percent, Maui County saw a 22 percent decline and Kaua‘i County a seven percent drop compared to 2016. O‘ahu saw a half percent increase in homeless individuals.
A link to the overview of Point in Time’s full report, compiled by Hawai‘i’s two Continuums of Care—Bridging the Gap and Partners in Care—can be found on the governor’s website at governor.hawaii.gov.
FULL TEXT: STATE SEES NINE PERCENT DROP IN HOMELESS POPULATION
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GOVERNOR IGE ANNOUNCES 32 PERCENT DECREASE IN HAWAI‘I COUNTY’S HOMELESS COUNT
News Release from Office of the Governor, May 10, 2017
HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige announced today that the homeless population across the state decreased for the first time in eight years. The annual Point in Time count—a census of people experiencing homelessness—showed a nine percent overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state.
This year’s count found 7,220 homeless individuals across Hawai‘i compared to 7,921 in 2016.
Hawai‘i County saw the largest decline in homeless individuals – a 32 percent decrease.
“We have partnered with every mayor in every county, along with the private sector and service providers. We’ve had housing summits to identify the benefits of renting to the homeless. We have service providers to provide supportive care so that we can place families in permanent housing. It’s terrific news that homelessness is down 32 percent on Hawai‘i Island,” Gov. Ige said.
Maui County saw a 22 percent decline in homeless individuals and Kaua‘i County experienced a seven percent drop compared to 2016. O‘ahu saw a half percent increase in homeless individuals.
“I commend the many partners who have gotten out of their silos, come to the table and rolled up their sleeves. Together, we are finding more efficient ways to move people off the streets and into homes. This report is proof that our collective efforts are working,” said Gov. Ige. “While today’s news indicates that the tide has turned, there is more to do. My administration remains focused on increasing affordable housing and reducing homelessness in the State of Hawai‘i.”
A link to the overview of Point in Time’s full report, compiled by Hawai‘i’s two Continuums of Care—Bridging the Gap and Partners in Care—can be found on the governor’s website at governor.hawaii.gov.
News Release: MAUI COUNTY SEES 22 PERCENT DROP IN HOMELESS POPULATION
News Release: KAUA‘I COUNTY SEES SEVEN PERCENT DECREASE IN HOMELESS COUNT
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Mayor Caldwell statement on 2017 Point in Time Count
News Release from City and County of Honolulu, May 10, 2017
“Our hard work over the past several years has resulted in significant progress, including decreases in the homeless census in areas where we have focused on creating housing such as the Leeward Coast and East Honolulu, including Waikīkī and Makiki. I thank all of the Point in Time Count volunteers for donating their valuable time to help generate a more accurate, and therefore larger count, that helps the city and state secure federal funding.
Through close cooperation with the state, service providers, and community members across O‘ahu, we were able to place more families into housing this year, resulting in a 14 percent decrease in family homelessness. The 2017 Point in Time Count confirms that our Housing First and affordable housing programs coupled with our compassionate disruption efforts are making a difference, but we need to continue working to address homelessness in Central and Windward O‘ahu and among our veterans.
With projects like 1506 Pi‘ikoi and 1727 Beretania in Makiki, and 86-537 Halona and 85-248 Farrington in Wai‘anae, as well as plans to issue a third Housing First contract this year after demonstrating success with the first two, we are poised to place even more people into safe and stable homes. In addition, we continue to make the most of our existing properties as evidenced by the six new micro units and 29 rehabilitated apartments at Winston Hale.
Meanwhile, the city continues to engage in innovative efforts to address homelessness while keeping our public spaces accessible to everyone. This includes mobile hygiene service that we expect to be operational later this year, the expansion of the Hale Mauliola Navigation Center to accommodate an additional 21 people, the conversion of our Kuwili Street property in Iwilei into a hygiene center, outpatient service center and 42 permanent supportive housing units, and our continued commitment to house every veteran on O‘ahu under the Mayors Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness.
I’m sending a heartfelt mahalo to everyone at Bridging the Gap and Partners in Care who helped with the 2017 Point in Time Count, which helps secure federal resources and allows us to gauge our successes and challenges as we move forward. I also want to thank the many O‘ahu residents who have opened their hearts to welcome formerly homeless individuals and families into their neighborhoods. Together we are making a real difference in people’s lives.”
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How Accurate Are Point-in-Time Counts?