Solutions to the homelessness problem in Hawaii

1. Homelessness in Hawaii: Solutions
By Anya Woodbury

2. In recent years, Hawaii has been ranked number 1 in the nation
for the largest homeless population per capita.

3. One of the biggest issues surrounding homelessness
in Hawaii is affordable housing.

4. In 2015, a businessman named Duane Kurisu decided to help
the cause.

5. With his non-profit organization called the Aio foundation, he
started the idea of the Kahauiki Village.

6. The Kahauiki Village will be a community of roughly
150 homes each with kitchens and bathrooms located in
Honolulu.

7. The Aio Foundation was able to rent 11.3 acres of land for the
project from the State of Hawaii at a cost of $1.00 a year.

8. These homes are designed for the homeless to live long term
at a low cost between $725 and $900 a month.

9. The project is underway today thanks to contributions
from the government as well as private companies
and individuals.

10. The key to stopping homelessness is Housing First. This program has
spread throughout the world as it had been proven to be
one of the most successful.

11. In the country of Finland, homelessness has not been a problem as
they have established Housing First.

12. The main concept of Housing First is providing those in need with
permanent housing at affordable costs and to end homelessness
rather than managing it.

13. Because Housing First has been a success in many different places,
the state of Hawaii in recent years has started to implement the program

14. Sources/Images
• https://nextcity.org/features/view/hawaii-duane-kurisu-homelessness-crisis-kahauiki-village
• http://www.kahauiki.org/
• https://www.pexels.com/
• https://www.theguardian.com/housing-network/2017/mar/22/finland-solved-homelessness-eu-
crisis-housing-first
• http://www.hawaiibusiness.com/duane-kurisus-kahauiki-village-aims-to-ease-homeless-crisis/