COM 0618.000 2024-2026 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Exhibit D Project Category Location Population Requested Grant Amount Award Recommendation Services Offered Total Served Going Home Hawaii Justice Navigator Outreach Hilo, Puna, Hamakua Justice -Involved, Unsheltered $130,000.00 of $80,000.00 Total Project Budget $215,371.86 Street Outreach, Case Management, Housing Navigation, Care Coordination 100Individuals Building on a program previously supported under HHF Year 2, this program requests funding for one Justice Navigator (1N) based in East Hawaii, with particular focus on downtown Hilo — the area with the highest concentration of unsheltered individuals. The JN is an outreach and diversion role focused on preventing arrest and reducingjustice system involvement through pathways to housing and services. By engaging individuals in public spaces, courts, probation, HISC, and cellblocks, the JN interrupts the cycle of homelessness, arrest, jail, and release. The role stabilizes individuals by improving access to shelter, treatment, long-term housing, behavioral health, substance use, and mental health providers to ensure continuity of care. In addition to collaboration with Going Home's Reentry and Recovery Housing program, other key partners include Hilo Police, HISC, courts, probation, HOPE Services, BISAC, Benioff Medical Center, and Hawai'i Island Community Health Center. The JN will also build relationships with downtown businesses frequently impacted by street homelessness. The need is clear: 30% of those incarcerated were homeless prior to custody; Hawaii County's recidivism rate is 59.5%, higherthan the statewide 53.8%. People with multiple incarcerations are 13 times more likely to experience homelessness, and in 2024, 25% of Hawai'i County's homeless population had police contact. By intervening before arrest or after release, the JN reduces reliance on police and emergency services and helps break cycles that perpetuate homelessness.