Issue Position: Homelessness

Issue Position

In addressing homelessness in our communities, Senator Tokuda is committed to:

*Looking at the current and best practice of other states and jurisdictions in regards to how they have humanely dealt with their homeless populations. Places like San Antonio and their Restoration Center, where they moved individuals from jail into a place where they could receive psychiatric and primary care services and drug or alcohol detox. It also provides housing and services for those suffering from mental illness, and job training and wrap around services to clients.
*Considering shelter from a number of different lenses. From temporary such as Housing First type models, to affordable rentals and housing for our working individuals and families. 40% of Hawaii's homeless are employed. Transitioning them into stable housing that can help them sustain and thrive in their current employment is critically important.
*This has been a significant issue on the Windward side for a number of years now, and one of my top priorities this past year was to get a more accurate Point in Time count for our area so that we could be considered for both resources and services. This year's count was much more accurate than 2013, showing a more than doubling of the homeless population in our windward communities, however we know this is still likely a conservative figure. And this is probably the case in communities across our state.

*Ensuring that there is access to localized services and shelter options. Having worked closely with service providers, state agencies and our law enforcement officers to both get people off the streets and address confrontations in our communities, the need to have these in the community is critically important. They may not want to go there immediately. They may not even know they need the help. When that breakthrough moment does come, most will want to remain in the same community they are in. Once you have those service and shelter options available nearby, providers can begin to motivate individuals to get help at those sites where they can also get treatment. Right now, providers are limited when they go out and assist individuals in areas that lack their own centers and shelters, with their only options being to move them out of their community. This may not seem significant to some, but in many cases these individuals are suffering from dual diagnoses, whether it be mental illness or drug or alcohol abuse, and removing them from their comfort zone becomes yet another barrier to getting help.

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