HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.026 2024-2026To: County of Hawaii
Department of Finance
25 Aupuni street, Hilo, Hi. 96720
From: Hawaii Family Advocacy Group
Joshua Franklin
(Individual Consultant)
hifamilyadvocacy@gmail.com -
(808)365-8773
Council and all Concerned citizens,
I am writing to express my support for Resolution 46-25, which seeks funding to combat homelessness
through the Homelessness and Housing Fund. As a resident of Hawaii Island and someone with education
and experience in social work and community development, I believe this resolution is a crucial step
towards addressing the multidimensional challenges of homelessness in our community. However, I do
see areas that need to be addressed regarding initiatives and allocation of funding. The Neighborhood
Place of Puna, which began in 2002 as a response to high rates of child abuse and neglect, has grown
significantly over the years. Despite this growth, there remains a critical need for administrators and
individuals who are educated about Hawaiian culture and the historical oppression faced by the native
community. Paul Normann lacks any educational background to understand the nuances and issues
affecting the Native Hawaiian populace. Many of the children aging out of the foster care system
are Native Hawaiian children and are at risk of homelessness. Studies show that Native Hawaiian
children represent nearly half of all child removals by Child Welfare Services here in Hawaii, and my
experience has shown me that they often engage with organizations that do not provide ethical or
effective support. I can remember two years ago when I applied to work as a shelter monitor at
Neighborhood Place of Puna. I was asked why I wanted this job, and I said it was to make a difference,
not to mention my academic career supports this work. I also let them know I would be entering my
master's program for social work. During the interview, I asked about their academic backgrounds, only
to find out that none of them were qualified to be running that program. One person had no higher
education. The manager and director of the program in Puna, if I recall correctly, had her degree in
criminal justice, and the other woman had a certificate or degree in accounting, none of which left me
feeling like I wanted to join their cause. I remember clearly stating in the interview that I had more
educational and professional experience than all of them in that room combined; that's probably why they
didn't hire me. It also left me wondering if the funding they are receiving is being applied to
individuals with qualifications to truly make a difference. The issue of homelessness on our island has
reached a critical point, and I agree that we must act now. Yet addressing homelessness requires a deep
understanding of the social variables and unique circumstances faced by each individual. This
cannot be done unless these programs are run by qualified individuals such as MSWs, LCSWs, or
MHCs, or at the very least, individuals with sociology or psychology degrees. The current funding
proposal risks being a band -aid rather than a sustainable solution. As someone who has experienced
homelessness and worked extensively with families and Child Welfare, I can attest to the lack of
resources needed to truly empower individuals to rise out of their circumstances. My educational
background includes my ASC in Hawaii lifestyles, a bachelor's in sociology, and current involvement in
my master's program in social work, combined with over a decade of experience, has shown me the
importance of having qualified individuals leading our efforts. It is essential that funds are utilized
effectively to provide appropriate services. I cannot recommend allocating any funds to the
Neighborhood Place of Puna until they can demonstrate that they have qualified individuals at the
helm of that program. I advocate for investing in qualified professionals, such as Licensed Clinical
Social Workers (LCSWs), who can deliver intervention services that lead to self-sufficiency and
employment, rather than merely managing temporary housing solutions. I urge the council to
ensure that the funds from Resolution 46-25 are directed towards sustainable solutions that address
the root causes of homelessness, not by funding
1
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hodgepodge nonprofits like the Neighborhood Place of Puna. Thank you for your time and efforts on
this initiative.
Sincerely,
Joshua Franklin (Alameda), ASC-HLS, BA(SOC)
O ke kahua ma mua, ma hope ke kukulu.
(First the foundation, then the building.)