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Recently, I attended the 2023 Statewide Homelessness and Housing Solutions Conference on homelessness. It became evident that to make a substantial impact on homelessness, we must allocate more funding and provide proper training to address the issue directly, instead of perpetuating the problem. Strikingly, a decade ago, I attended another conference that echoed the same sentiment.

Homelessness impacts a wide and diverse range of individuals and families. The reasons for their homelessness are equally varied, with many causes beyond their control, such as the lack of affordable housing and low wages. Others stem from personal challenges, a shortage of social services, systemic inequalities, and the vulnerability of specific populations, including the chronically homeless. In Hawaii, the 2023 Point in Time Count enumerated 6,223 individuals experiencing homelessness.

On Oahu, 4,028 were homeless, of which 2,364 were unsheltered; Hawaii had 1,003 homeless, with 278 unsheltered; Maui had 704 homeless, with 317 unsheltered, and Kauai had 88 homeless, with 58 unsheltered.

It’s challenging to categorize the homeless population or provide specific percentages for those most at risk. However, one undeniable fact is that permanent supportive housing programs have proven to be highly effective on a global scale.

These programs offer tailored services to various groups, including veterans, families with children, single adults, individuals with mental health issues, and those with substance use disorders. Supportive services have also been successfully customized for other specific groups.

One widely recognized approach to supportive housing programs is known as Housing First, which prioritizes housing individuals without prerequisites. Housing First is a flexible approach that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, including voluntary supportive services.

While it can be costly due to the comprehensive services provided, studies have indicated that Housing First programs, funded by federal, state, and local resources, can lead to savings in other community services over time. The exact savings may vary, but the value of reintegrating individuals and families into society is immeasurable in financial terms.

In Honolulu, there is a significant shortage of supportive housing program facilities, despite a study conducted 15 years ago recommending a minimum of 900 units for the city’s population size. The report even estimated the additional costs associated with providing services. Beyond the expenses related to housing and services, a challenge lies in recruiting qualified staff for these facilities and securing the necessary funds to pay their wages.

It’s a bit of a “chicken and egg” situation – invest in supportive housing now or pay a higher cost later. To address homelessness effectively, both the state and counties must allocate more funds for Housing First and other PSH programs, as the problem is only expected to worsen.

A significant portion of our population is just one paycheck away from being homeless, and housing costs continue to rise, exacerbating the problem. While we need more supportive housing program facilities, we also need to address the root causes of homelessness, including the lack of affordable housing.

Encouragingly, Honolulu and the state have collaborated to establish 49 Housing First units in the former Waikiki Vista building. This represents a significant step toward potentially converting the entire building into a facility for homeless services and housing.

It is commendable that the mayor and the governor have joined forces for this worthwhile initiative. While the initial funding for the Housing First portion is limited to a few years, there is hope that additional funds can be secured to sustain and further demonstrate the effectiveness of the Housing First model.