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CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) Evaluate the jurisdiction’s progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending homelessness through: Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs The County of Hawaii continues to use several strategies to provide outreach in each of the rural communities. The County has participated in the annual Point-In-Time count, along with service providers and community volunteers, to perform intensive canvassing of various areas throughout the island where unsheltered homeless congregate including, but not limited to beaches, parks, forest and brush, mountain topography including caves, campgrounds, bus stops, public benches and sidewalks. In June 2016, the County implemented a Mobile Resource Center increasing the number of outreach events held in rural communities. For the initial event, the County partnered with the volunteers from the Nanawale Community taking part in their monthly emergency food distribution event to provide information about services available. Other participants at this monthly event included HOPE Services Hawaii, Neighborhood Place of Puna, Hawaiian Community Assets, the Food Basket and Project Vision. In 2016, the homeless services providers and the County and State government agencies worked together to deliver information about Dengue Prevention to the areas that the homeless congregate and had a high risk for the continued spread of Dengue. The County also participates in various community events to disseminate information about homeless services that are available. One of the barriers that may have a negative impact on providing outreach to the homeless population is the lack of transportation. In 2016, CDBG funds were awarded to HOPE Services for the purchase of two vehicles. The acquisition of the vehicles was completed in June 2017. The County, together with four other agencies and a faith based community volunteer did three days of intensive outreach to gather information on the homeless living at the Old Kona Airport in late July and early August 2017. Basic demographic information, together with length of homelessness, the presence of other vulnerabilities such as substance abuse, health issues, mental health, incarceration and its length, and each resident's desire or non-desire to be housed were assessed. Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons In December 2016, the construction twenty-three permanent rental units were completed. Nineteen of these units are currently rented. The project, named Hale Kikaha, had its tenants moved into the units CAPER OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) 17