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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 5:04 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2008

Wahiawa homeless resource center closes today

Advertiser Staff

The Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance has lost the use of its Wahiawa resource center site, forcing it to end services until it can find a replacement site in the area.

The nonprofit group must vacate the site by the end of today.

About 200 homeless people in Wahiawa and other parts of Central O'ahu are served by the resource center, said Doran Porter, executive director of the alliance, an advocacy agency and homeless service provider.

Clients receive hygiene items, emergency food and clothing, and other goods, as well as a variety of services.

The center, which opened last summer, has been open Wednesdays and Fridays.

The alliance has been getting free rent for the site from the New Life Body of Christ Christian Church. Bishop Michael A. Henderson, pastor of the church, said a business decision was made to end its lease for the property due to higher insurance premiums caused by a series of vandalism incidents.

Porter said his agency is putting out feelers in an effort to find an alternate site.

Homelessness is a growing issue in Wahiawa, and Central O'ahu in general, he said.

"And it's going to be more and more of a problem for the community there."

Anyone wishing to help the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance find a new site in Wahiawa can call 845-4565, ext. 502.