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Testimony in Support of County Homelessness and Housing Funding
Aloha Chair and Members of the Council,
Mental Health Department. Although my work position is administrative, working in this
environment has allowed me to see and hear about the struggles that many of our clients face
every day. One of the things that stands out the most to me is how difficult it is for someone to
focus on getting bet
worried about where you are going to sleep at night, where your next meal is coming from or
where you keep your belongings without them being stolen. It is hard to put energy into your
mental health or recovery or making long term plans when you are just trying to get through the
day. Working in the mental health department has made me realize that homelessness is not
always as simple as someone just needing a place to live. I have seen how one problem can lead
to another and without stable housing it can become harder to stay connected to treatment, it can
become a cycle that is very hard to break. What I believe is important for our community to
understand is that people experiencing homelessness are still people with families, feelings, goals
and potential. I am writing this because I see the importance of these services in the people we
serve. Every person who can find stability and begin moving forward is a reminder of why these
resources matter. Thank you for allowing me to share my perspective and considering the
importance of continued housing and homelessness funding for our community
Mahalo Nui loa.
Respectfully,
Malia Spruell- Office Manager
Mental Health Department