Honolulu – If you see Honolulu’s iconic Aloha Tower bathed in purple this week, it’s to observe two important homelessness-related events: Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week and the statewide 2020 Homeless Awareness Virtual Conference.
“This week is a time to recognize the efforts of all who work so hard to end homelessness throughout the year,” said Scott Morishige, Governor’s Coordinator on Homelessness. “Despite the adversity of the pandemic, our homelessness system has transitioned nearly 3,400 individuals into permanent housing between March and September. Our community is resilient and has pulled together to keep a focus on permanent housing and helping the most vulnerable among us.” Still, there are an estimated 6,458 homeless individuals statewide on any given night.
“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone in Hawai‘i, the United States, and around the world,” said Laura Thielen, executive director of Partners in Care. “Despite the pandemic, we have gotten food to our neighbors on our beaches and on our streets, we have housed those who have been homeless for years, and we have shown compassion to our community.”
“Despite a worldwide pandemic, we still saw the Aloha Spirit alive and well in Hawai‘i, where people didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand to those in need,” said Brandee Menino, chief executive officer of HOPE Services Hawai‘i and chair of Bridging the Gap.
To find out more about Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week:
https://homelessness.hawaii.gov/main/homelessness-awareness-week/.
To find out more about the 2020 Homeless Awareness Virtual Conference: https://honolulu.gov/housing/homelessness/svch/.