SOLUTIONS FOR THE HOMELESS
CINDY ELLEN RUSSELL / CRUSSELL@STARBULLETIN.COM
Community leaders, advocates and volunteers for the homeless met yesterday at Central Union Church to devise a plan for short- and long-term solutions. Leading the discussion was the Rev. Don Hammond, interim senior pastor.
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Answers beyond shelters sought
Central Union Church has more than enough volunteers and monetary donations to accommodate people who have been sleeping in the church's Parish Hall since the city closed Ala Moana Beach Park at night.
But church leaders are worried about what could happen if park dwellers are not allowed to return when the city's renovation of the park is completed.
"We cannot continue doing this. This is a stopgap measure," said the Rev. Don Hammond, interim pastor.
Hammond said the church can continue to serve as a shelter for the full month of the park closure, and has formed an action committee to find long-term solutions to the island's homelessness regardless of whether people are allowed back into the park.
Leinati Matautia does not think the committee's efforts will be necessary if the city lets people back into Ala Moana Beach Park.
"If they allow it, then I don't see why they need to do that," she said.
Matautia said she has lived at Ala Moana Beach Park for the past 4 1/2 years but has been sleeping at Kawaiaha'o Church with other people displaced by the park's night closure.
She said plans to ask Mayor Mufi Hannemann to allow her and others in her situation to use Magic Island so the public can still use the rest of the park. And she plans to ask Hannemann to set aside similar areas at all city parks.
Since last Friday the number of people sleeping at Parish Hall has ranged from eight on the first night to 53 on Tuesday. Though priority is given to families, the church reports no families have slept there.
Various businesses and individuals have donated food for the suppers served at the shelter. The church has also received $38,800 in cash donations so far, more than enough to pay for extra security guards at night for the rest of the month.