HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0850.003 2020-2022 Ik F Consulting Hawaii
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July 18, 2022
Re: Resolution 445-22
Aloha Council Members,
I am writing in support of Resolution 445-22, which would authorize the Director of Finance to
negotiate a two-year lease for the West Hawai'I homeless campus located at 74-5593 Pawai Place,
known as The Friendly Place.
I support the Resolution, and Hope Services in providing shelter and much needed services for West
Hawaii. Hope Services were instrumental in providing emergency housing for community members
experiencing homelessness during many crises and natural disasters, especially in their quick response
to overwhelming immediate needs throughout COVID-19. In doing so, they have come up with
solutions that shelter vulnerable people, provided information about resources, and created
relationships that can open pathways for these community members to find stability. Removing
funding for this shelter to operate does not make the problem of homelessness go away—it removes
the connection that is the first step toward stability.
I read the newspaper article in West Hawaii Today, where several of our Council member voiced their
concern about the impact that the shelter has had on local businesses, and the plan to move the
shelter to a "more suitable site".The project at Kukuiola homeless village appears to be years away
from completion, and there have been no other service providers in West Hawai'I that have been able
or willing to respond to immediate housing and shelter needs. I believe there are solutions to providing
shelter and services to community members in need, as well as addressing the concerns of local
business owner effectively.Working together and communicating openly and respectfully we can find
answers. Please support Resolution 445-22 to keep services and shelter available in West Hawai'i.
Mahalo,
Lori Ferrin
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