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Kailua-Kona,HI 96745
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BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
My name is Patrick Hurney and I am writing in strong support of Resolution 445-22,to
renew Hope Services Hawai`i's lease at its Kona site.
Officers
Father Richard 7 ao d;rf This site houses the West Hawaii Emergency Housing Program,the only permanent
PRESIDENT homeless shelter in Kona. It also houses The Friendly Place Resource Center, and the
Gail Noeau permanent supportive housing community of Hale Kikaha. If this site were to close,the
vlcE PRESIDENT impacts on the Kona community would be devastating. People would no longer be able to
Dr.Ann Marie DIm amot° receive the food, shelter, safety or other services provided onsite. They would not have a
SECRETARY fixed place to work with Hope's housing team to find permanent housing. Houseless
xnhhs L°"`5°° people in need of medical services, including mental health and substance abuse
TREASURER treatment, would no longer have a stable place from which to access them. Our neighbors
who are working to find employment and permanent housing would have their progress
Members derailed.
Leiola Augustine
Napua Kekauoha_ If operations at this site were disrupted by Hawaii County's failure to renew the lease,it
Chartrand is very likely people would be traumatically forced out onto the streets, and their health
Edwina Fujimoto and safety endangered.
Melanie Lucas
Paul Nm•mann It would also exacerbate existing problems in the Kona community. Imagine how public
April Bates spaces, education, schools,businesses, and tourism would be impacted if this site were to
Linden Pohland close. Where would the people currently receiving meals at the Friendly Place go to eat?
Advisory Members Where would the people with disabilities and acute needs,who live in permanent
supportive housing at Hale Kikaha' go?
Craig"Bo"Kabul
Judie Ziemelis
Steve Machesky Hope Services has been transparent in providing documentation and answering the
Council's questions. Let's continue to work together to help more people get the help they
Executive Director need, and get into permanent housing. I encourage the council to continue its partnership
Patrick F.Hurney with Hope Services in West Hawaii by passing Resolution 445-22 and extending the
lease.
F Mahalo,
Haran Island United Way
Partner Agency
Patrick F. Hurney
Executive Director
Comm.Na
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