Homeless in Hawaii

[YurtGirl]

Absolutely, homelessness is a VERY real problem on our island. Here on the Big Island the areas that currently show the highest homeless count are in Ocean view, but we can see the effects at almost any beach or public park, even downtown Hilo in the storefronts after dark and the park at Bayfront. It is a problem in so many ways. Homelessness is a state of mind, often, more than anything else, a state of mind that can be very corrosive. It can stress a family unit, or a person's self confidence and self respect, which often results in more abuse, either to others, or to a person themselves. There is no way to trace the myriad of problems homelessness causes. Who wants to be homeless? Who would choose homelessness over a home? I'm not talking about wandering wanderlust in your youth (or old age) with a positive explorative outlook, I'm talking homeless, unsure of where your next meal, shower, belief that it's going to be alright, is going to come from. Many of our Ohana have been forced into tents, cars, under tarps, forced to wash their keiki at beach parks etc. This puts a lot of stress on the programs that are in place on our island to assist the secondary problems that very often arise from homelessness. Domestic violence aid, drug abuse treatment, mental health services, feeding the hungry, medical assistance for keiki, elderly, etc. The list goes on. We need to work toward permanent solutions, not just temporary alleviation of the symptoms. Admission that this IS a problem is the first step. Stepping up and offering assistance where you can is the second. CAP is just one of several great volunteer programs that work with other organizations to help find solutions to many of these issues. They are actively seeking members. If you are interested in what we do contact Julie Nagasako, the OSM or the CoC and ask how you can help. email me at bobby_mc_gee21@hotmail.com for further contact information.