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Hawaii is the 50th state of the United States located in the Pacific Ocean and it is the only island state of the nation. Hawaii is the top second state in the nation for homelessness per capita. In Hawaii, the homeless situation remained as a concern for the government officials and to the general public.

Homelessness can be defined as living below the standard housing conditions which often lacks electricity, utility, water security, and is often vulnerable to weather and domestic changes. An individual may be defined as being homeless if they do not have stable housing, they are in poverty and is not financially stable to accommodate for the basic human needs, or if they reside in shelters or on the streets.

Photo by : Jacob Riis

The authorization of laws for the removal of tent camps and forceful removal of homeless individuals from public areas are measures taken on the situation to enhance the tourism experience. As of 2017, there are 9.4 million visitors to the island and the tourism industry provided sixteen billion dollars to the economy, which is responsible for twenty-one percent of Hawaii’s total income . In Honolulu, a twenty-five dollar fine is conducted from individuals who reside on popular tourism areas such as Ala Moana and Waikiki. Some homeless individuals are transported to the mainland or other less populated areas .

Statistics

In Hawaii, the number of homeless individuals remained between 5,800 to 7,800 people in the past decade from 2010 to 2020, with the approximation of two forth of the population being unsheltered and the remaining population either residing in traditional or emergency shelters . Based on the statistics provided by the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness reported by the Continuums of Care, 6412 individuals are experiencing homeless on a regular basis; 539 are a family household, 505 are veterans, 222 are unaccompanied teenagers and young-adults, and 1767 individuals are in chronic homelessness . Chronic homelessness implies to an individual who is experiencing homelessness for over a year, either repeatedly or an on-and-off basis . They can also be struggling with mental or physical disabilities or a combination of both that may hinder their regular activities. Chronic homelessness makes up twenty-four percent of the overall homeless population.

Causes

Homelessness may occur due to a variety of reasons. A common cause is the inability to afford the expenses of housing and fixed expenses, which include bills, food, and basic necessities. Based on the United States Census Bureau on Honolulu on the year 2014 to 2018, the median gross rent is $1,703 and persons in poverty makes up 7.7% of the population . The minimum hourly wage is $10.10 in Hawaii (as of 2018), and Hawaii’s cost of living is among the highest in the nation of approximating 19% higher than the national average . The below average salary of the general population is on the edge of suffering to cover their regular expenses. Another reason for homelessness is the expensive housing; the price of houses and land properties have doubled over the past two decades. Causes for Homelessness in young adults and teenagers can be identified into categories of family and guardianship issues, financial difficulties, and unpredictability for places to stay. The youths may leave home due to the lack of support, parental neglection, and/or physical, relationship, or sexual abuse . Based on the report provided by McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) – Homeless Student Enrollment Data, which is a report on students attending public school who is experiencing some form of unstable residency or is residing in shelters or is experiencing homelessness in the state of Hawaii. The statistic suggested that approximately 69.4% of the teens resided in doubled up or shared housing, 0.5% live in hotels or motels, 21.7% reside in shelters, transitional housing, or waiting for foster care, and 8.3% is unsheltered in the year 2019. In comparison to the general population, individuals who are homeless is more likely to experience poor physical and mental health ; substance abuse such as alcoholism and drug addiction is also more common. The addictions are a major contributor to the cause of homelessness as it creates confliction on family and friend relationships. The effects of substance abuse can also lead to job loss as the drugs may negatively impact cognitive and physical functions. A survey done by the United States Conference of Mayors reported that substance abuse is one of the biggest causes for homelessness, the abusers reported that they use substances to relieve themselves from pain or stress .

Programs and Services Available

There are numerous programs and organizations that are providing help to relieve the situation and to help the homeless individuals. In the Honolulu county, pre-existing supporting plans include the development of affordable housing which it built to reduce the burden of living expenses on households. The project consists of increasing the number of available affordable housings, preservation of existing housing units, and to increase the access to inexpensive permanent housing. The distribution of funding is also disbursed to programs that provide assistance to people in need of a secure home or temporary financial relief . Public organizations and the government are also working to increase and provide job opportunities to those in need for a source of income. The Hawaii’s Department of Human Services contains a list of programs that offer relief and help to individuals who is at risk or is currently in the homeless situation . The Hawaii State Homeless Shelter Program provide a temporary shelter to individuals in the homeless situation and the program also aids the individual on finding employment. The Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance Program offers help to individuals who need counseling and help ones who suffer from disabilities, mental disorders, and substance abuse. Affordable healthcare is also given to individuals who are at risk of or at poverty. Through an interview of 162 homeless individuals, 77% has medical insurance and 66% has a regular healthcare provider; majority of the interviewees consider their health as poor. While medical insurance is offered, many of the interviewees still face financial barriers such as paying for their medication and access to basic needs . Although there are numerous plans and programs offered by government officials and the general public to help with the situation, these plans will require cooperation from both parties of the situation. The wellbeing of the homeless population continues to remain as both a political and societal challenge for Hawaii.