Raising awareness about poverty and homelessness

Kaua‘i County officials along with others from around the Garden Isle and a representative from Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green’s office gathered at the end of last week to raise awareness and educate the public about the issues of poverty and homelessness.

A small ceremony was conducted Nov. 1 at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Rotunda to proclaim November as Homelessness Awareness Month.

National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is also observed Nov. 17-23.

“Homelessness on Kaua‘i continues to be a complex challenge that requires the entire community’s support to solve,” said Farah Aquino, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency homeless coordinator. “Food insecurity and hunger also reach into most of our working class homes.”

Kaua‘i County Director of Finance Chelsie Sakai presented a proclamation on behalf of Kaua‘i County Mayor Derek Kawakami marking the occasion.

The event was attended by the governor’s Kaua‘i liaison Dana Hazelton, members of the Kaua‘i County Council and representatives from various agencies including Family Life Center, Kaua‘i Community Alliance, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Hale Opio, Project Vision, PAL-Kaua‘i and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity.

“As the holidays inspire a spirit of giving, no one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head, but the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people,” stated Kawakami in his proclamation. “Our housing agency works constantly to provide housing vouchers to qualified residents and develop more affordable housing on the island while staying engaged with homeless service providers who offer critical services with compassion and are making a positive impact on our community.”

Kaua‘i County Council Chairman Mel Rapozo also gave remarks during the ceremony.

“Though we focus on the needs of the hungry and houseless during the month of November, the Kaua‘i County Council urges everyone blessed with food and shelter to support the less fortunate year-round,” said Rapozo.

Friday’s ceremony was also to show support for the volunteers engaged in the community, tackling the problems head-on.

“We are grateful for our partners, the Hawai‘i Food Bank Kaua‘i and our many nonprofit Homeless Service providers that do this work tirelessly day in and day out,” said Aquino. “We couldn’t address these issues without them.”

Project Housing Connect and the Kaua‘i Community Alliance will host various events throughout November in observance of Homelessness Awareness Month.

Contact Crystal Caday-Bargayo at 808-855-8675 for more information. 

For more information about Kaua‘i Community Alliance, the island’s local Continuum of Care provider, contact Makana Kamibayashi at 808-212-0850.

Email Aquino at faquino@kauai.gov to learn more about Homelessness Awareness Month or National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week