Funding for homeless services in Hawaiʻi is currently in jeopardy, raising concerns about the future of housing for the homeless population. Recent estimates predict that over 400 individuals on Oʻahu could revert to homelessness if federal funding is cut. For nearly two decades, federal programs have played a crucial role in assisting those in need.
HUD Funding Cuts and Their Implications
In November, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced significant changes to funding allocations for homeless services. This shift heavily impacts permanent supportive housing, which has historically received 90% of HUD’s funding. Under the new proposals, this figure would drop to only 30%.
- Permanent supportive housing is designed for chronically homeless individuals, offering services like addiction treatment alongside housing.
- Nonprofit leaders anticipate that if the proposed cutbacks are implemented, close to 450 individuals in Oʻahu could face homelessness.
Legal Challenges and Reactions
In a recent ruling, a federal judge prevented HUD from moving forward with its new funding policies, leaving both service providers and the community on edge. Laura Thielen, the executive director of Partners In Care, expressed concerns about uncertainty in future funding. Nonprofits such as Family Promise of Hawaiʻi could see their substantial funding shrink considerably if these changes are enacted.
- Family Promise received about $3 million from HUD in the previous year, funding critical services for homeless families.
- On Oʻahu alone, HUD distributed $16.2 million last year for various homeless services.
Impact on Neighbor Islands
Bridging The Gap, which serves Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi, and Maui, received $4.2 million in funding last year. Brandee Menino, chair of this continuum of care, stressed that cutting funds for permanent supportive housing could severely affect projects on neighbor islands, especially Hawaiʻi Island.
- Hilo, a primary hub for such housing, currently hosts 166 residents across 56 sites, all of which could be in jeopardy.
Changing Priorities and the Community Response
The proposed funding revisions signify a departure from the “housing first” and harm reduction approaches that are critical to supporting vulnerable populations. Nonprofits fear that if current policies remain unchanged, many individuals would cycle through shelters rather than transition to permanent homes.
Heather Lusk from the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center warned that reassigned funding could especially endanger services tailored for at-risk communities, like LGBTQ youth. The anticipated loss of about $200,000 in HUD funding for outreach services poses severe implications for these disenfranchised individuals.
Potential for Innovative Solutions
Amidst the crisis, some leaders see this as a chance for innovation. Ryan Catalani from Family Promise of Hawaiʻi emphasized that tighter funding may encourage more unique, locally-driven solutions to homelessness.
His organization has consistently assisted families affected by recent wildfires, utilizing flexible funding models that adapt to their specific needs. The goal is to foster stronger relationships with local funders who may provide more versatile support than federal funding does.
As these developments unfold, Hawaii’s nonprofit landscape may change dramatically in the coming year, pushing for a reevaluation of how homelessness is addressed across the state.
