By James Gonser
Advertiser Leeward Bureau
KALAELOA — Plans to transform three former Navy buildings at Kalaeloa into a center for homeless veterans have been delayed about three months while Congress is updated on plans for the site, according to Rick Velasquez of the Veterans Administration in Hawai‘i.
Velasquez, the homeless veterans program coordinator, said because of the recent change in presidential administrations, he held off sending notification to Congress until last week that the VA intends to enter into partnerships with non-VA groups using government property.
"I had hoped to be at this point by this time last year," Velasquez said. "Things have moved slowly, but when you have a new program or a new idea, it takes time. Generally speaking, the government doesn’t let nongovernment groups do anything like this on their property. That’s why we have to inform Congress."
However, with the recent acquisition of a $1 million federal grant and much interest from veterans, the unique initiative is poised for a successful launch as soon as it is approved.
Velasquez said by creating partnerships with public, private and nonprofit organizations, the facility will offer job training, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and transitional and long-term housing. The VA is renovating a 6.9-acre portion of the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station and using three barracks buildings for its programs.
Velasquez said Congress has 90 days to ask questions, and he then expects the project to move forward.
"Our original plan was to open this month. Now we are looking at starting out in June," he said. "The idea is to start something for people that need it as quickly as possible."
The center for homeless veterans will be opened in phases, starting with the low-cost housing, then the job training and treatment programs. Sobriety and zero tolerance for violence will be prerequisites for living at the facility and for all programs, he said.
Andrew Dahlburg, a VA social worker, said of an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 homeless people in Hawai‘i, about 3,000 are veterans. The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans estimates that about 25 percent of all homeless people in America are veterans.
Last month, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded a $1.03 million grant to the U.S. Veterans Initiative for the Kalaeloa project.
Holly Holowach, director of the U.S. Veterans Initiative in Hawai‘i, told the Makakilo/Kapolei/Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board in January that various agencies plan to develop a core of services to help veterans get back on their feet.
Velasquez said the group will use the grant to provide job training staff for the facility.
Velasquez said other groups likely to be involved in the project include the Salvation Army, Hina Mauka and Mental Health Kokua.
Joanne Lundstrom, chief executive of Mental Health Kokua, said having several services in one area brings momentum to the recovery process.
"The concept is bringing people in and tailoring services to their needs," Lundstrom said. "That is exactly what will be happening" at Kalaeloa.
Lundstrom said the three-month delay should not be a problem because veterans’ services are good in Hawai‘i.
"It’s unfortunate to delay it because everyone is excited about it starting, but it is doable," Lundstrom said.
Velasquez said he has heard from many veterans interested in the program.
"Every day we hear from somebody. There are lots of request for information, a lot of young guys that are out of work or people just getting out of substance-abuse programs and shelters that need somewhere to go," he said. "The light is finally showing up at the end of the tunnel."
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