Maui Homeless Alliance Spearheads Community Forum

Photo by Wendy Osher.

By Maui Now Staff

The Maui Homeless Alliance, a coalition of social service agencies and community members serving individuals experiencing homelessness, will host a forum on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 4:30 p.m. at Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku.

The forum will focus on understanding and improving the services needed for the houseless in Maui County.

A panel presentation will include representatives from the Maui Police Department, Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers, Aloha House, Mental Health Kokua, A Cup of Cold Water and the Veterans Administration.

Special guests will include Chief Judge Joseph Cardoza and Councilmember Don Guzman.

“Income inequality and the lack of affordable housing on Maui in conjunction with the high cost of living contribute significantly to homelessness here,” said Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers CEO Erin Fleming. “I currently have 300 people on my wait-list.”

Following the panel presentation, attendees will break into groups to identify the five greatest needs for individuals and the community.

A facilitated group discussion regarding how the community can address those needs in an effective and compassionate manner will follow.

“There is work to be done in paradise,” said Lisa Darcy, executive director of Ho‘omoana Foundation. “Complex issues require forward-thinking ideas, and we need the entire community to be a part of the solution. This is the blunt discussion we must have.”

The forum is free to attend and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.