Salvation Army Launches Program to Break Cycle of Homelessness

Salvation Army, Hawaiʻi. Courtesy photo.

By Maui Now Staff

The Salvation Army announced the launch a new Pathway of Hope program, aimed at providing participants with a foundation of housing, jobs and a new community to break the cycle of inter-generational poverty, homelessness and drug addition.

Program leaders have set a goal of assisting 50 families and individuals by the end of this year, with hopes to expand to assist hundreds in the next few years.

A recent study published by the State Department of Human Services indicates there are nearly 7,000 homeless people in the state, 959 of them on Maui.

“We aim to bring lasting changes to participant’s lives by focusing on three pillars of change: jobs; housing; and a new community of support and accountability,” said Major John Chamness, Divisional Leader of The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division in a press release.

“Research indicates that an addicted or homeless person’s ability to make lasting changes in their lives is greatly enhanced by providing services that focus on removing barriers for these three pillars,” said Chamness.

Pathway of Hope Infographic. Image courtesy The Salvation Army Hawaiʻi.

He continued saying, “Our experience shows us that families and individuals often face a repeating cycle of recidivism– where they move from crisis to crisis and remain vulnerable. By successfully offering a targeted
set of services, rooted in strengths-based case management, we will help more families and individuals truly break the cycle of crisis and achieve stability.”

According to the announcement, a professional team of case managers, with varying backgrounds and expertise similar to life coaches, will guide clients through a process of change that will focus on possibilities rather than problems.

They will assist clients with identifying and finding solutions to the barriers that get in their way, including: lack of job experience; bad employment history; legal issues; lack of housing; unhealthy friends; financial problems; mental health issues; and feeling hopeless.

“The goal is to help the individual get to a place of independence and sufficiency for a lifetime,” said Chamness.

Pathway of Hope is initially being offered to existing clients who are selected as they transition from The Salvation Army’s addiction programs on Oʻahu.

Pathway of Hope is a separate initiative from The Salvation Army’s addiction programs in Hawaiʻi.

According to the announcement, The Salvation Army is considering developing clean-and-sober living houses where clients could live while receiving Pathway of Hope services.  Those plans are still under review and may be solidified in the coming months.