Become part of solution during Homeless Week

During the past year our world has endured many traumatic catastrophes, tsunamis, hurricanes and wars, all significant events that have left millions of people homeless. Much of the displacement has been attributed to lack of preparation and planning. Let us learn from these disasters, and examine our plans, our community, our people. Every day, more than 6,000 men, women and families with children struggle with homelessness, right here in our beautiful state. Every day we have an emergency situation.

November 13-19 is National Hunger Homelessness Awareness Week, which strives to call attention to the daily tragedy of homelessness, a social ill even more upsetting given the tremendous wealth in our nation. Homeless service providers, state agencies and community advocates from around the islands have planned a series of events to highlight the ongoing ravages of homelessness on our beloved Islands. We welcome everyone in the community to join with us and to become better informed and more involved in the solutions that can end homelessness.

To kick off Homeless Awareness Week, we invite everyone to join us at the state Capitol Auditorium at 7 p.m. Wednesday for a special, free performance of "Truly Dually: A New Musical about Homelessness." The musical is heartwarming, yet serious. Through song and humor, we learn about some of the causes and solutions to homelessness.

Information and inspiration are important ingredients for change. Our Statewide Forum on Homelessness; Housing, Priority No. 1 will provide just that. The forum will take place Nov. 16, and includes statewide updates on homelessness, inspirational stories of successful transition out of homelessness, and leaders in the field sharing heartwarming anecdotes and lessons learned through their work at homeless shelters.

On Nov. 18, a candlelight vigil will be held at 4:30 p.m. on the grounds of the state Capitol in remembrance of all those whose lives have been lost while experiencing homelessness. At the vigil, people who are homeless and formerly homeless will share their stories, to inspire and educate. There will also be live music and entertainment to celebrate the solutions to homelessness. Other events during the week include a "Circle the Island" walk that will begin Wednesday and conclude at the candlelight vigil.

This past year we have been encouraged through developments on several fronts. We have seen increased monies going to homeless services and the development of affordable housing. Homelessness is on our decision makers' radars, and people are clamoring for solutions. We must continue to advocate for people who are homeless or precariously housed. The challenges ahead include reducing the number of vacant units in our state's public housing program, ensuring no more losses of federal housing subsidies, and creating a permitting process that allows for quicker completion of current and future projects. With a significant budget surplus, we also look forward to more targeted relief to households earning below the median income to ensure at-risk families and individuals remain housed.

There are solutions to ending homelessness. Programs like Permanent Supportive Housing help chronically homeless people find housing and stay stable and in housing. These programs work, but their success depends on community partnerships. Landlords with affordable rentals need to partner with us in providing the housing. We can all make a difference, from volunteering your time, to financial donations to fund the programs, to supporting food drives, to testifying at state Capitol. Together we can raise awareness, plan and significantly reduce the number of people who are homeless in our state. Join us for Homeless Awareness Week and become part of the solution.

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