HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0067.029 2024-2026Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 12:16 PM
To: Charis Higginson
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Written Testimony
From: Charis Higginson
Sent: Thursday, January 30, 2025 11:58 AM
Subject: Written Testimony
Subject: Follow -Up: Addressing Concerns About County Funding Allocations
Dear Council Members,
Thank you for the opportunity to present last week and for your thoughtful engagement. I am writing
to follow up on the discussion regarding the allocation of county funds for homelessness and housing
and to address key flaws in the current system, as well as respond to some of the questions raised.
1. Misaligned Funding Priorities and My Experience
It's important to address a misleading narrative that was highlighted in The Big Island News Now
article, which stated that I had not applied for county grants in the past two years. The truth is, I was
discouraged from applying because I was misled into believing that funding was not available for the
work I am doing.
When I first applied for a permanent supportive housing grant, I was denied. I followed up with
Sharon to ask why. Her statement (which I documented) was that, "The county was a bit unsure of
what to do with this first round of funding, so we decided to use it for employment services and
personnel. Maybe once you get a home, you can reapply for services." ��"�'' `
R�. 1,a.
Ref. rllj
I responded, "So let me get this straight: none of the $10 million allocated for the HOMELESSNESS &
HOUSING fund is actually being used to provide homes or housing?"
Sharon then directed me to the housing development grant, which I later discovered was only for
organizations with homes already up and running for at least five years. When I spoke with Susan
Kunz, I was informed that this grant was not, in fact, for developing housing.
In essence, the titles of these grants are misleading and do not align with their intended purposes.
The County has repeatedly run me in circles —from Mayor Mitch Roth, to Sharon, to Susan, and back
to where I started. When the mayor stopped responding altogether, I was left with no choice but to
abandon the process. This frustrating pattern seems deliberately designed to create the illusion of
solutions, only to lead to endless dead ends for those of us who are not part of the backdoor dealings
that perpetuate these systemic issues.
2. Lack of Accountability in Funding
Why is there no cap on the number of years organizations can rely on county funding? Most private
grants are capped at three years to encourage organizations to become self-sufficient. Meanwhile,
larger organizations like Hope Services, which receives over $10 million annually from Hawaii alone
(out of $50 million total revenue), continue to rely on county funds to pay their personnel rather than
addressing systemic issues.
For comparison, Humanity Hale received an $8,000 grant in its first year. Through strategic
fundraising, we grew that into $150,000. Organizations receiving millions in funding should
demonstrate similar progress.
3. Questionable Use of Funds
The current allocation of funds also raises concerns. For instance, Hope Services reported spending
$400,000 on vehicles for outreach rather than using those funds to directly address housing needs.
Tax documents also show money being used for unrelated expenses like trips and "research," while
shelters they oversee remain unsafe environments where individuals face overdoses, assaults, and
inadequate rehabilitation services.
4. Misleading Data and Metrics
Organizations like Hope Services claim reductions in homelessness, yet they are also in charge of
the Paint -In -Time (PIT) count, which is prone to inaccuracies. Local residents, who see
homelessness increasing visibly, know these claims do not reflect reality. This flawed data
perpetuates a narrative of progress while failing to address systemic issues.
5. Addressing Mainland Relocations
Another critical factor contributing to homelessness is the relocation of unsupported individuals from
the mainland. Initiatives like Senator Brenton Awa's proposed Holo Solution —which would require
agreements with other states to reimburse relocation costs and prevent the transfer of individuals
without housing plans —should be a priority.
Closing Questions for Consideration:
• Why is there no cap on the number of years organizations can receive county funding for
personnel?
• How are grant recipients held accountable for measurable progress in reducing homelessness?
• Why are funds allocated for "housing" or "homelessness" often redirected toward administrative
overhead?
• What steps can the county take to limit the relocation of homeless individuals from other states to
Hawaii?
Thank you for your time and attention to these critical matters. I hope this letter helps clarify the
challenges faced by grassroots organizations like mine and highlights the need for greater
transparency, accountability, and impactful use of county funds.
Sincerely,
Charis Higginson
Founder, Humanity Hale
Me ka mahato piha!
Ua ota toko i ke aloha — "Love gives life within"
Charis,
Founder/Executive Director
https://www.humanityhaLe.org
Charis(cjOHumanityhaLe.og