The Reality of Homelessness in Hawai'i
On every island in Hawaii families are sleeping in tents on the beaches, tucked away in the lava, and camped in public parks. Parents experiencing homelessness work full time jobs while children do their homework by flashlight – in cars parked in Hawaii’s towns and cities. Many of our elderly have to decide between medication or food at the grocery store, and the mentally ill of our state are left with little choice but to sleep outside. Homelessness in Hawaii is a growing epidemic, and these statistics are heartbreaking:
A major factor in homelessness is the rental market. Renting a home is simply out of reach for many people in Hawai’i.
A Few More Facts and Figures
- Statewide, 12-15,000 people are homeless at some point of the year.
- At least 6,300 are homeless at any given day.
- Islandwide,
- 33% of those living without housing are children.
- 33% of the homeless are of Native Hawaiian ethnicity.
- 8% of those homeless are veterans.
- Hawaii County had the highest proportion of first-time homeless clients at 51%.
- The number of homeless has increased 68% since 2013, from 557 to 1,394.
How We are Helping
In Fiscal Year 2016, HOPE Services Hawaii provided:
- Outreach services to 2,364 individuals who were living in unsheltered situations.
- 58% were single persons and 42% were individuals in families.
- 33% were children under the age of 18.
- 790 individuals received emergency shelter.
- 1,094 individuals were provided permanent housing.
- Including 386 family households with children.
- 154 Veterans were housed.
- 256 individuals were subsidized move in costs and shallow subsidies.