HomeMy WebLinkAboutPaaluhi, Kelli
Confidential
BIG ISLAND SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNCIL
16-179 Melekahiwa St., Keaau, Hawaii 96749
Ph: (808) 935-4927 Fax: (808) 934-8067
Written Testimony in Support of Bill 192 Homelessness and Housing Fund
Aloha, my name is Kelli Paaluhi, and I work as a counselor at the Big Island Substance Abuse
Council. I am speaking in support of Bill 192 because I have seen firsthand how stable housing
can change the direction of someone's life.
In my work, I have seen many individuals enter treatment feeling overwhelmed, struggling with
substance use, and uncertain about their future. Some are also working through the difficult
process of reunifying with their children. When they have safe housing and the support they
need, they have a better opportunity to focus on recovery and begin rebuilding their lives.
I have witnessed individuals successfully complete their treatment episodes, regain custody of
their children, find employment, and eventually move into homes of their own. These
accomplishments do not happen overnight. They take commitment, support, and time. Housing
programs provide important steppingstones that help people move from crisis toward stability
and independence.
Without a safe place to live, it is much harder for someone to focus on treatment, maintain
sobriety, attend appointments, find work, and meet the requirements needed to reunify with their
children. Housing gives individuals a foundation to work toward these goals and become more
self-sufficient.
Supporting the Homelessness and Housing Fund means investing in more than housing. It means
investing in families, recovery, personal responsibility, and the future of our community. When
individuals are given the opportunity to succeed, the positive effects can extend to their children,
their families, and the community as a whole.
I respectfully ask for your support of Bill 192. Continuing this funding helps ensure that
individuals and families who are working hard to change their lives have access to the support
and opportunities they need.
Mahalo for your time, your consideration, and your commitment to the well-being of our Hawaii
Island community.
Adult/Adol
Form 397
Rev 05/2018