$5.9 million to aid the homeless
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
Honolulu will receive $5.9 million in federal funds to help combat the city's persistent homeless problem.
"These funds will continue the efforts of our non-profit partners in providing our most vulnerable residents with shelter and supportive services. The programs range from those for veterans and youth who are homeless, to persons with HIV/AIDS, chemical dependency, and mental illness," said Mayor Mufi Hannemann, in a statement.
In a national release announcing the disbursement, Phillip Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said the issue of homelessness is one that must be confronted in all states.
"Homelessness affects each and every city in the country, from the frigid northeast to the sunny shores of Honolulu," Mangano's statement said. "It is indeed gratifying that Mayor Hannemann is joining us in our campaign to end homelessness for all our people. His efforts to implement solutions to help the homeless in his city have been exemplary."
As a result of the grant money, Hannemann said he would sign the "America's Road Home" statement of principles and actions, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.
The council includes members of several federal agencies, including the U.S. department of housing and Urban Development and the U.S. department of Human Services.
Programs receiving grant funds include:
Information on the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is available at: www.usich.gov/slocal/index.html.
Reach Peter Boylan at pboylan@honoluluadvertiser.com.