Resources
There are a number of resources to provide further information related to the issue of homelessness, both locally and nationally. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact (808) 586-0193 or [email protected] for more information.
Resources for Homeless Services
- Aloha United Way 2-1-1 – The 2-1-1 hotline is available Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. You may also search the 2-1-1 website online for information about social services throughout Hawai’i.
- Outreach Programs
- Shelter Programs
Continua of Care
The Continua of Care (CoCs) administer federal funding related to homelessness, and oversee the Coordinated Entry System for homeless resources, such as Permanent Supportive Housing, Rapid Rehousing, and Transitional Housing. There are two CoCs for Hawai’i — Partners in Care for the island of Oahu, and Bridging the Gap for the islands of Hawai’i, Maui, and Kaua’i. To learn more, please click on the links below.
- Partners in Care – Continuum of Care for Oahu
- Bridging the Gap – Continuum of Care for the Neighbor Islands
Department of Human Services Homeless and Housing Programs
- DHS Frequently Asked Questions – This is a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding DHS, including contact information for key DHS programs. The information for housing and homeless programs is listed on paged 14-30.
Special Populations
A growing segment of the homeless population is made up of individuals aged 51 and older. For more information about the needs of homeless seniors, please click on the links below.
Coordinated Entry Systems
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that CoCs adopt a Centralized or Coordinated Assessment System, also commonly referred to as Coordinated Entry System (CES). The specific local policies for CES can be found on the Partners in Care and Bridging the Gap websites listed above. The resources below provide general information related to CES, including Frequently Asked Questions and lessons learned.
- Coordinated Entry Policy Brief – This policy brief from HUD summarizes HUD’s views on goals for the CES process. The brief does not establish requirements for CoCs, but rather is meant to inform local efforts to further develop CoCs coordinated entry processes.
- Coordinated Entry and HMIS FAQs – This document from HUD responds to questions about the coordinated entry process and how it relates to Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) for CoCs.
- Coordinated Entry and Youth FAQs – This document from HUD responds to questions about the development and implementation of CES processes specific to working with runaway and homeless youth populations.
- Coordinated Entry and Victim Services Providers FAQs – This document from HUD responds to questions about the CES process and how it relates to victim service providers for CoCs.
- Health Centers and Coordinated Entry: How and Why to Engage with Local Homeless Systems – This document from the Corporation for Supportive Housing provides information to health centers on what coordinated entry is meant to be; and how and why health centers can partner with homeless systems.
- U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Coordinated Entry Fact Sheet – This guidance from the VA was issued to VA medical centers to support community planning and CES efforts within CoCs by clearly outlining the expectations of VA medical center involvement.
Government Resources to Address Homelessness
- Office of Lieutenant Governor Josh Green – Homeless in Hawaii: Facts and Resources – General information regarding Lt. Governor Green’s efforts to address homelessness, including the Lt. Governor’s 10 Point Plan on Homelessness and his Kauhale initiative.
- Hawaii Department of Human Services, Homeless Programs Office (HPO) – HPO administers contracts for homelessness and homeless prevention services, including, shelter, outreach, Rapid Rehousing, Housing First, Housing Placement Program, Civil Legal Services, and the Housing Placement Program.
- Maui County Homeless Programs Division – The Division administers the Coordinated Entry System on the island of Maui, and also coordinates interagency efforts to address illegal homeless encampments on county lands.
- City & County of Honolulu, Mayor’s Office of Housing – The Mayor’s Office of Housing has helpful information related to affordable housing programs, as well as information regarding Housing First programs and information related to efforts to end veteran homelessness.
Safe Zones and Sanctioned Encampments
Many communities across the country, particularly along the west coast, are experiencing encampments of unsheltered individuals in public spaces. The following are resources from the U.S. Interagency Council of Homelessness (USICH) and other organizations in how communities can approach the issue of encampments.
- USICH – Caution is needed when considering “Sanctioned Encampments” or “Safe Zones” (2018) –
- USICH – Ending homelessness for people living in encampments: Advancing the dialogue (2015)
- USICH – Ending homelessness for people living in encampments: Quick guide (2015)
- USICH – Ending homelessness for people living in encampments: Planning checklist (2015)
- Corporation for Supportive Housing – Tools, policies, and templates for addressing unsheltered homelessness
- Arizona State University Center for Problem Oriented-Policing, Guide to Homeless Encampments
Property Storage and Coordinated Outreach
Housing and Healthcare