Governor announces an initiative to reach homeless
On April 25, Governor Neil Abercrombie announced an initiative in which the state is joining forces with four organizations to reach out to homeless individuals. Hawaii residents can now call or email the organization in their county to notify them about a homeless individual or group. An outreach team will then be assigned to visit the person or group. All the organizations prefer to be contacted by email.
The four organizations are:
- On Oahu: Waikiki Health Center’s Care-A-Van Program, (808) 791-9359, homelesshelp@waikikihc.org
- On the Big Island: HOPE Services, (808) 935-3050, info@hopeserviceshawaii.org
- On Maui: Family Life Center, (808) 877-0880, wanda@flcmaui.org
- On Kauai: Kauai Economic Opportunity, (808) 245.4077, x228; keo@keoinc.org
Previously, there has not been a point of contact for Hawaii residents and visitors to report homeless individuals they want to help. The initiative is intended to make it easier for concerned citizens by directing them to agencies that are equipped to assist the homeless.
Calls and emails will be accepted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers must provide their contact information, a detailed description of the homeless individual or group, and the location and time when the person or group is seen in specific areas. Emergency situations or illegal activity should be reported to the police, according to the announcement.
