HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0589.032 2020-2022 1 b
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From: Kim Simpson
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2022 10:49 AM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: Support Bill 111
I support the homelessness bill being heard tomorrow. Funding homeless resources with tax revenue from second
homes seems very fitting. We all need to care for one another and we can't do that without more funding.
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Last week in Hilo, I met a family living in their car. They asked if I knew anywhere on this side of the island where
they could set up a tent. They needed to be as close to Hilo as possible so they could get to appointments trying to
access resources. Despite having been through my own month of homelessness in January 2015, 1 wasn't able to
help much. Shelters have wait lists.There isn't enough affordable/low income housing.This family is willing to live in
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a tent or shack and cannot find a way to do even that much. How are they supposed to start providing for
themselves if they don't even have a safe, legal place to exist right now? People in our community need help right
now. We can do more to strengthen our community as a whole. This bill is a good step in that direction.
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Thank you,
Kim Simpson
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