LIHUE — The Kauai Community Alliance outlined plans Wednesday to help about 350 homeless people on the island. Stephanie Fernandes, homeless and housing director for Kauai Economic Opportunity, said her organization is working to increase the number of people admitted
LIHUE — The Kauai Community Alliance outlined plans Wednesday to help about 350 homeless people on the island.
Stephanie Fernandes, homeless and housing director for Kauai Economic Opportunity, said her organization is working to increase the number of people admitted at the emergency shelter in Lihue. It can house 19 people, but KEO is looking to boost that number to 40, Fernandes said.
She said KEO needs to expand the shelter, hire staff and order equipment, like more bunk beds, to complete the expansion.
Homelessness in Hawaii continues to be a problem. Statewide, there are 7,260 homeless people, according to annual State of Hawaii Homeless Point in Time count.
The YWCA shelter, which has 18 beds available night, is usually near or at capacity, said Diane Wada, co-director of the YWCA shelter for victims of domestic violence.
There are success stories, too.
She said a girl in the shelter was recently able to get a home in Hanapepe through the Hawaii Public Housing Authority.
“She showed us pictures of it, and it’s unbelievable,” Wada said. “It’s huge, it’s clean and it has a beach view. I was blown away.”
About 15 members representing programs like Kauai Economic Opportunity, Young Women’s Christian Association of Kauai, Catholic Charities of Kauai and Care Kauai were there. The meeting focused on continued efforts for more affordable housing.
