HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0123.005 2022-2024 r n
March 20, 20231073 y µ
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Testimony in support of Resolution 61-23
Hawaii County Council
Aloha,
My name is Aurora Leanillo, and I am supporting resolution 61-2 . 1 am a
participant of Hope Services and have been since 2019. 1 was homeless on and off
since I was thirteen. I grew up with mental health disabilities and it was difficult and
sometimes impossible to access resources.
I am now 38, and living in my own home in Hilo. I just began my first semester of
college. I am studying Information Technology at both Hawaii Community Community
College and UH Hilo. I am interested in Al and app development, and I hope to work in
computer science.
I first encountered Hope Services in 2019 when I met their Street Outreach team.
had been living on the street, where I was assaulted multiple times. This left me with
serious injuries. When Covid hit, I was working full time at Island Naturals. I was terrified
of getting sick, especially because my other health issues put me at high risk.
Fortunately, Carrie Ho`opi`i from Hope Services knew that my health conditions
put me in danger, and she offered to house me temporarily in the Holiday Inn Express in
Kona. Shortly after, I was placed into Hale Kikaha, located on the Friendly Place
Campus. During this time, Lahi Kanakanui was my case worker, and she helped me get
my paperwork together. We would talk story, and I felt that she heard and understood
me. She made sure I knew the process of living in Hale Kikaha, and helped me plan out
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the steps to move into a place of my own back in Hilo, closer to family. She helped me
with goal planning, and this the was time I started to think about furthering my
education.
While I was at Hale Kikaha 1 began to teach myself how to code.
After working hard and lots of searching, it was Desiree Kamaiopili- ansen from
Hope Services who found me the perfect place in Hilo. As soon as I met the landlord, I
knew my world was going to change. She offered me the place on the spot. My new
home is closer to family, and allowed me to bring my dogs. Not only that, but it is biking
distance to UH Hilo. Desiree amaiopili-Hansen helped me get my deposit, rent, and all
documents together, and soon I moved in. She is the one who encouraged me to go to
school, and showed me it was possible. She encouraged me to put college in my goal
plan, and she made sure I followed through. She showed it was possible to be
professional and also have a big heart. Her compassion made me want to pay it
forward.
These are the people at Hope Services that helped me in my journey. Without
them I wouldn't be where I'm at today.
Sincerely, Aurora Leanillo