HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0589.015 2020-2022 Dill III
Hilo Office:80 Pauahi St.,Ste 203
Hilo,Hawai'i 96720
Ph:(808)491-2437/Fax:(808)498-0315
Kona Office:75-5708 Alahou St.,Apt 2C j
Kailua-Kona,Hawai'i 96740
Ph:(808)-464-4003 j Fax:(808)464-4288
i Horne Hawaii email:goinghomehawaii gmaii.com
Hawai'i i s i a n d www.goinghomehawaii.org
TO: Hawaii County Council
Hearing:Thursday, February 23, 2022, at 9:00 AM
RE:Strong Support of Bill 111
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Dear Chair and Council Members, ---:
Going Home Hawaii strongly supports Bill 111.
Offenders who are just released and are at-risk of homelessness are not eligible for many services afforded to the
homeless because they are not considered chronically homeless for the purposes of the housing first programs.These
individuals are the costliest segment of the homeless population due to their high utilization of enforcement,court,
reincarceration, medical, mental health,substance use and other related services.
Offenders exiting our correctional facility are far too often released to the streets without any resources and are many
times released with only their pant and shirt and absolutely nothing else. Bill 111 will be able to provide funding and
resources also needed to provide comprehensive post-release housing programs to assist justice-involved homeless
persons through the process of reentry, rehabilitation,employment,education, training and housing are critical to the
successful transition from incarceration to community.
Reentry and Recovery Housing services is one of the smartest investments we can make, and successful reintegration is
one of the most important crime-prevention tools our communities have!
The mission of Going Home Hawaii (GHH) is to assist justice involved Hawaii Island men,women and youth with
reintegration into community life through employment, education, housing and appropriate services. GHH successfully
operates Reentry& Recovery Housing programs in both East and West Hawaii Island,with a total capacity of 84 beds in
three apartment buildings in Kailua-Kona and three houses in Hilo. All our housing program services are provided in a
well-managed,structured, clean and sober environment.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Bill 111.
Les Estrella, President&CEO
Comm. No. •� _
kef. To:
cf. Date F
2022
Innovative Leadership In Reentry&Reintegration For Justice-Involved Individuals,Since 2004