HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.021 2024-2026From:
Chi -Ashley Amaral
Sent:
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 11:00 PM
To:
Council Testimony
Cc:
Chi -Ashley Davis
Subject:
Letter in Support of Resolution 46-25
Chi Ashley Davis
400 Kinoole Street, Apt 205
Hilo, HI 96720
capdavis808@gmail.com
808-756-4219
January 28, 2025
Hawai' i County Council
25 Aupuni St.
Hilo, HI 96720
Subject:
Aloha Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for Resolution 46-25, which acknowledges the
critical need for continued investment in housing stability and supportive services for
individuals and families transitioning out of homelessness. As someone who has
dedicated my career to housing services, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative
impact that stable housing and structured support can have on individuals and our
community as a whole.
I began my work as a Housing Navigator at the Hale Iki Shelter, operated by
Neighborhood Place of Puna, where I worked directly with individuals and families
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experiencing homelessness. At Hale Iki, my role was to assist shelter residents in
securing permanent housing by guiding them through the application process, connecting
them to essential services, and addressing barriers such as employment, mental health,
and access to necessary documentation. Many of the families I worked with faced
significant challenges, but with proper support and a structured pathway, they were able
to secure stable housing and regain a sense of independence.
Recognizing the need for continued guidance beyond the shelter, I transitioned into my
current role as a Housing Stability Specialist, where I help recently housed families
transition out of the shelter system and successfully integrate into permanent housing.
Utilizing the Critical Time Intervention (CTI) model, I work with families in phases,
ensuring they receive intensive support initially and gradually step down as they become
more self-sufficient. This model allows us to prevent recidivism into homelessness by
ensuring that families have the resources, life skills, and confidence to maintain their
housing long-term. Through this work, I have seen how targeted, client -centered case
management can break cycles of homelessness and create lasting stability for families
who once had no hope.
Additionally, the funding from this resolution helps support other vital programs that
serve our community. Programs such as the OHPSP, the Homeless Engagement Team,
and the Coordinated Center all rely on this funding to deliver critical services to those in
need. These programs are integral to the seamless support and resources available to
individuals and families facing homelessness.
In my new role as Lead Community Resource Navigator, I will be transitioning to
support our Homeless Engagement Team and the Coordination Center, working directly
with homeless individuals to connect them to housing and services. This transition is part
of an expanded effort to support individuals experiencing homelessness, and it
underscores the broader impact of Resolution 46-25. The coordination and collaboration
between these programs ensure that we have a comprehensive approach to addressing
homelessness across our island.
Our work at Neighborhood Place of Puna is not just about securing housing, it is about
restoring dignity, building resilience, and empowering individuals to create sustainable
futures. The families we serve are not just statistics; they are parents trying to create a
better future for their children, individuals overcoming immense personal challenges, and
community members who, with the right support, can thrive. Without continued funding
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and policies that prioritize housing stability, many of these families would be left without
the essential services that have proven to be life -changing.
Resolution 46-25 represents a commitment to the long-term success of these individuals
and families. It recognizes that housing is not just about putting a roof over someone's
head but ensuring they have the support to keep it. The work we do is making a tangible
impact on Hawai'i Island, and this resolution would help strengthen these efforts by
ensuring that housing programs are prioritized, adequately funded, and structured to
provide lasting solutions.
I urge you to support Resolution 46-25 and continue advocating for comprehensive
housing stability initiatives. By doing so, we can ensure that our community moves
forward with compassion, resilience, and a commitment to breaking the cycle of
homelessness.
Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chi Ashley Davis
Housing Stability Specialist
Neighborhood Place of Puna
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