Mayor Kawakami proclaims November as Homeless Awareness Month on Kauaʻi

Kauaʻi Mayor Derek S. K. Kawakami proclaimed November as Homelessness Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public, bring awareness to the problem of poverty, and support volunteers engaged in the community.

“It truly takes a village to address hunger and homelessness, which are widespread problems not just on Kaua‘i, but throughout the nation, affecting far too many people,” Mayor Kawakami said Tuesday. “We are grateful to our Housing Agency, Kaua‘i Community Alliance, Kaua‘i County Council, and all continuum of care partners who serve our community by searching for solutions, seeking funding support, developing housing opportunities, and providing critical services with compassion and aloha for our people.”

The Kaua‘i County Council also presented a certificate during Tuesday’s ceremony which was hosted by the Kaua‘i Community Alliance, the island’s local Continuum of Care, and attended by various agencies. They included representatives from the Office of Gov. David Ige, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Family Life Center, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency, Department of Parks and Recreation, Mālama Pono Health Services, Project Vision Hawai‘i, The Salvation Army Hanapēpē, Wilcox Medical Center and CARE Hawai‘i.

In observance of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, which occurs from Nov. 12-20, the Kauaʻi Community Alliance will also host the fourth annual Kaua‘i Housing Connect homeless outreach event on Nov. 16 at The Salvation Army in Hanapēpē and Nov. 17 at The Salvation Army in Līhu‘e.

More than 10 non-profit agencies will be in attendance offering services such as flu and pneumonia vaccinations, hot showers, wound care, vital documents, pet care, Narcan training and housing voucher signups. 

Although several programs are available only to those who are actively homeless, people at-risk of homelessness are welcome to attend and connect with agencies to better understand what resources are available in our community.

“This year’s Kaua‘i Housing Connect event is a prime opportunity for us all to get involved and help make a difference – small or large,” Housing Director Adam Roversi said. “Our Housing Agency staff is proud to partner with the Kaua‘i Community Alliance as together we continue to conduct outreach across the island, connecting people with various programs and services.”

To learn more about Homelessness Awareness Month or about Kaua‘i’s outreach programs, visit Kaua‘i Community Alliance on Facebook or contact Ashton Varner, the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Homeless Coordinator, at [email protected].

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, or other accommodation due to a disability, contact Ashton Varner at [email protected] as soon as possible. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.