KEO provides 44 with permanent housing during 90-Day Plan

LIHU‘E — As state Coordinator on Homelessness Marc Alexander resigned Thursday, Gov. Neil Abercrombie announced 44 people on Kaua‘i were placed into permanent housing during the 90-Day Plan on Homelessness earlier this year.

The plan ran from May 17 through Aug. 14.

Kaua‘i’s homeless population is estimated at 500 to 600 people, according to Stephanie Fernandes, homeless and housing director at Kaua‘i Economic Development, the local non-profit agency that the state established as a partner in the plan.

“During our fiscal year from August 2010 through July 31, a total of 174 people were assisted into permanent housing,” said Fernandes, adding that the state is correct in its figure of 44 people assisted during the plan.

KEO also has a service called Care A Van, a mobile assistance van for homeless that provides food, personal items and supportive services.

During KEO’s last fiscal year, Care A Van assisted 377, Fernandes said.

A lot of KEO’s funding comes from the state, she said, and such funding helps place the homeless into permanent housing. The grant money KEO receives from the state helps pay for security deposits and may be used to subsidize rent, she said.

Abercrombie on May 17 said the plan would not rely on any additional local government funds.

“It will, however, seek the financial support and commitment of the private sector in matching government funds already budgeted to address homelessness,” he said.