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From:
Shaena Jardine
Sent:
Tuesday, January 28, 202S 8:46 AM
To:
Council Testimony
Subject:
Housing fund
Aloha! My name is Shaena Jardine and I work for Hope Services Hawaii.
Hope Services has helped so many individuals who are unsheltered. The housing fund is so important
because it helps us to get people off of the street and into permanent housing.There are many who are
unsheltered due to inability to afford rent, mental health issues, shame, past trauma, and absence of
aid. Hawaii is becoming more and more expensive and even those with jobs are having a hard time to
maintain financial stability. There is a shortage of programs. Even the programs that we do have here in
Hawai'i are unknown to most. Some of those programs have eligibility requirements and are restricted to
some. This makes it hard for individuals and families to receive assistance and make positive changes in
their lives. With the housing funding, we and other agencies can offer aid to those in need and make a
change and link them to the appropriate agencies.
The housing fund is one of the grant fundings that Hope Services relies on to help create stability within
our community. We are able to help take people off the streets and allow them to be in a safe
atmosphere while helping them to obtain permanent housing creating a healthy long term safe space. In
addition to financial assistance, we offer mental health programs, support, and resources. The housing
fund is crucial.
Everyone has a story. Hope Services allows these families and individuals the opportunity to share their
story and to be connected with the appropriate resources and offers compassion and assistance in any
way possible. If housing funds are not available and supported, the world will fail to take care of its
population. Everyone deserves housing and stability. With the funding that Hope Services Hawaii
receives, we are able to bring hope and support to our people. We need to Malama each other and have
compassion!
I am in support of the homelessness and housing fund!
Mahalo for your time.
Best regards,
Shaena Jardine
Housing Locator
HOPE Services Hawaii, Inc.
34 Rainbow Drive
Hilo HI, 96720
808-657-9511
sardine(cbhopeserviceshawaii.org
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