Homelessness is a complex issue that impacts upon all aspects of an individual’s life.  On any given night, it is estimated that over 5,000 individuals are homeless within the City and County of Honolulu (Point in Time Count, 2007).  Many of the services currently available to this population are offered in urban areas of Oʻahu such as Waikiki, downtown Honolulu, and on the Waiʻanae Coast.  As such, many individuals and families experiencing homelessness are required to travel great distances in order to access services.  There is a significant need for expanded access to services on the North Shore, and in the Central/Leeward and Windward areas of Oahu.  The needs of individuals and families residing in these areas are not being met, as services are currently inadequate, minimal or unavailable.

The Affordable Housing and Homelessness Alliance maintains Homeless Resource Centers throughout the island of Oahu in areas which currently have little or no access to services: the North Shore, and the Central/Leeward and Windward areas. With the support of our partners we are able to provide support services to homeless individuals and their families. Through the support of volunteers the Centers are staffed throughout the week. The volunteers also assist with the provision of basic services to clients.

One of the most effective ways to make a difference in a specific social problem is through a community effort of collaboration and action toward that problem.  The goal of the Homeless Resource Centers Program is to establish a grassroots effort to work on the homeless issues faced by individual communities.  Individuals and families experience homelessness for a variety of reasons, and the necessary resources to end the cycle of homelessness are often unattainable.  The barriers faced by this population include limited resources, poor references, bad credit, lack of affordable housing, lack of education, unemployment, mental illness and substance abuse.  These barriers however, are minimal in comparison to the lack of hope.  By addressing the issue of homelessness collaboratively, provider agencies and individual communities will send the message that individuals and families experiencing homelessness are not alone in their struggle.  The program continues to seek individuals and organizations willing to work with us to end homelessness in Hawaii. We want to empower communities to be part of the solution to end homelessness.

The Homeless Resource Centers provides a variety of proactive and individualized services, and serves as a “one-stop shop” for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness.  Services include:

•    Mail Services

•    Lockers

•    Clothing

•    Phones

•    Food Supplies

•    Water

•    Hygiene Supplies

•    Referral services

 

Referral services are a key component for the success of the program, and requires the  coordination and participation of volunteers, providers, and community groups. Referrals include primary care, mental health, substance abuse, and case management, as well as assistance with obtaining public benefits, employment, transportation, childcare and housing.

Services provided are free of charge for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and are provided with an expectation that each client participates in, and is committed to his/her transition out of homelessness. The integration of provider services, volunteer and community support, and client participation is paramount to the success of the program.  The Homeless Resource Centers program seeks to enable individuals and families experiencing homelessness to improve their quality of life, while empowering communities to work together to end homelessness.