Governor’s Homelessness Plan Gets Grant Support

By Wendy Osher

State captiol, file photo by Wendy Osher.

The state will utilize a $116,500 grant to support initiatives to end homelessness in Hawai’i. The funding was made possible through 11 contributors under a grant administered by the Hawai’i Community Foundation.

The funding helps to support some of the initiatives outlined in a 90-Day Plan on Homelessness released by the Governor last month. Among the initiatives to be address is one that seeks to establish rapid housing and support services for people who are chronically homeless with serious physical and mental health needs.

The funding will also be used to support other initiatives, including the following:

• Developing a “housing first” project for Hawai’i that focuses on permanent housing with integrated services.
• Increase in new public-private partnerships, involving government agencies, private sector, community groups, business groups, in expanding job training programs and alternative housing projects.
• A comprehensive communications plan designed to increase knowledge about homelessness and successful strategies that eliminate and prevent homelessness.

“Following Governor Abercrombie’s call for collaboration during these difficult times, the Hawai’i Community Foundation has joined our concerted effort to end homelessness in Hawai’i,” said Marc Alexander, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness.

“The Hawai’i Community Stabilization Initiative is a partnership among some of Hawai’i’s most generous foundations and donors,” said Chris van Bergeijk, Vice President of Programs of the Hawai’i Community Foundation.  “This group of funders is dedicated to helping persons most affected by the economic crisis. The Governor’s plan calls for a coordinated effort to address a very complicated issue.  We are happy to contribute toward these ambitious goals of ending homelessness throughout our state,” said van Bergeijk.