HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0727.001 2020-2022 �1 t�lli�l
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Hilo Office:80 Pauahi St.,SSttem203
Hilo,Hawai'i 96720
Ph:(808)491-2437 J Fax:(808)498-0315 j
Kona Office:75-5708 Alahou St.,Apt 2C
Kailua-Kona,Hawaii 96740
Ph:(808)-464-4003/Fax:(808)464-4288
Goiag Home Hawaii
email:gin homehawaiirr�ail.c_o_
Hawaii Island `""� -- --' - I
www.goinghomehawaii.org
TO: Hawaii County Council CDn
Hearing: Wednesday,April 14, 2022, at 9:00 AM
to
RE:Support of Resolution 370-22
Dear Chair and Council Members, SO_1z
On behalf of Going Home Hawai'i, I wish to thank Council Member Villegas, for introducing Resolution 370-22 to help
offset operational cost associated with its community-based Reentry and Recovery Housing Program in Kona. These
funds will be used to provide support and resources needed to provide comprehensive post-release programs to assist
justice-involved persons through the process of reentry, rehabilitation, employment, education,training, and housing
that 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.
Roughly half of Hawaii County's population is spread out along the island's coast in small, often isolated communities
with limited access to employment, substance abuse and mental health treatment, healthcare, housing, and
transportation. Prisoners are too often released back to their communities with little to no preparation to meet the
challenges that propel so many back to jail and/or prison. Statewide recidivism rates are high at 61.7%. In Hawaii,
nearly 30%of persons released from jail exit to homelessness.With support,justice involved persons can become
productive members of our community. Going Home Hawaii plays an important role in bridging the gaps in reentry
services in Hawaii County—services that can make the difference between success and failure for justice involved
people.
Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of Resolution 370-22.
Les Estrella, President& CEO
Comm.
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I ol% To:
Ref. Date APR 2022
Innovative Leadership In Reentry& Reintegration For justice-Involved Individuals,Since 2004