Homeless Initiative Encourages Email and Phone Reports

By Wendy Osher

Cart in Kahului belonging to a homeless man, Maui Now file photo.

Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced a new initiative to help homeless individuals in Hawai’i.   The Governor joined his Coordinator on Homelessness, Marc Alexander in launching the initiative that encourages concerned citizens to call or email with information about a homeless individual or group.

The Family Life Center on Maui is one of four centers across the state designated to accept reports from the public.  Reports from Maui County can be made by emailing [email protected] (email is preferred) or by calling (808) 877-0880.

The other centers accepting reports include:  The Waikiki Health Center’s Care-A Van Program on O’ahu: [email protected] (email preferred) or call 791-9359; HOPE Services on Hawai’i Island: [email protected] (email preferred) or call 935-3050; and the Kaua’i Economic Opportunity: [email protected] (email preferred) or call 245.4077, x228.

Family Life Community Center in Kahului on Maui. Maui Now file image.

“In Hawai’i, we have a natural inclination to want to help others, but when it comes to homelessness, sometimes people are unsure of how they can contribute,” Governor Abercrombie said. “With the generosity and support of these organizations, we enable people to help those in need.”

Alexander added, “We are grateful to these partners for their continued support and willingness to help in our common mission of ending homelessness. These call-in numbers are just another step to continue fighting homelessness in our state.”

Persons wishing to help someone who may be suffering from homelessness are asked to provide the following information:

• The location and time when the homeless individual is known to frequent the area
• A detailed description of the individual or group
• The caller’s contact information

After a report is made, an outreach team will be assigned to visit the person.  Emergency situations or illegal activity should be reported to the police.

“Addressing homelessness, as with all of Hawai’i’s challenges, requires us to work together in new ways. Our plan is to invest in the interventions, services, housing, and other efforts that will lead to long term solutions where we all take responsibility for our community,” said Gov. Abercrombie.

The Administration plans to unveil a 90-day plan in the near future, detailing a path for greater coordinated action to end homelessness in the state.