Reducing Homelessness in Hawaiʻi County

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Our administration is dedicated to addressing homelessness and creating affordable housing opportunities for our residents. Our strategic efforts and collaboration with community partners have led to significant progress in reducing homelessness across Hawai'i County. 

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Significant Decrease in Homelessness

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The 2024 Homeless Point in Time (PIT) Count for Hawai'i County revealed a 28% overall reduction in homelessness, with 285 fewer individuals experiencing homelessness compared to the previous year. This marks the lowest homelessness numbers in six years. Notable highlights from the PIT report include:

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• Total Homelessness: A decrease of 285 individuals, resulting in a 28% overall reduction.

• Family Homelessness: A reduction of 14 families, marking a 25% decrease in families experiencing homelessness.

• Veterans Homelessness: A reduction of 12 veterans, achieving a 24% decrease in veterans experiencing homelessness.

The top reasons cited for homelessness include family/relationship conflict (23.4%), disability (13%), and eviction (9.6%).

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Key Initiatives and Strategies

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Several key initiatives have contributed to this progress:

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• Grant Agreements with Non-Profit Organizations: We executed 16 grant agreements with 13 non-profit organizations under the Homelessness and Housing Fund, improving service delivery and building capacity among service providers.

• Utilization of Federally Funded Housing Vouchers: We fully utilized the County’s 2,300 federally funded housing vouchers, including 114 Emergency Housing Vouchers and 65 Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers.

• Affordable Housing Units: Delivered 169 affordable housing units serving households earning less than 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 18 units reserved for extremely low-income households (earning less than 30% of AMI).

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Securing Federal and State Grants

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Our federal grants coordination section reviews funding opportunities from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act, among others. We have successfully applied for several grants, leveraging these funds to support and enhance our community's infrastructure, housing, and economic development, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future.​

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Looking Ahead

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As we move forward, my administration remains committed to reducing homelessness and providing affordable housing for all residents. By continuing to collaborate with community partners and leveraging resources effectively, we can build a compassionate and supportive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.