State Looks to Ramp up Homeless Services in Rural Areas

Maui Now file image.

In an effort to improve homeless outreach programs in Hawaiʻiʻs rural areas, the procurement office and department of human services will be holding workshops for service providers across the islands next month.

“A critical part of our approach to homelessness is strengthening the capacity of provider organizations,” said Scott Morishige, the Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness.

“These workshops are aimed to support our existing providers, and grow the network of potential providers to serve our community – particularly in underserved, rural areas.”

The workshops stem from Act 162, which passed in June.

According to SPO, the goals of the Act 162 training are to increase the knowledge base, tools, and resources available to nonprofit homeless outreach and homeless housing programs providers; expand homeless outreach services and homeless housing programs in rural areas of the state; and foster coordination between the service providers and state and county governments to increase effectiveness and successful outcomes.

One of the workshops will be held on Jan. 7 at the Maui Economic Opportunity office in Wailuku from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To register for the workshop, click here.