FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           February 7, 2008

Release No. M-11-08

MAYOR SIGNS ON TO “AMERICA’S ROAD HOME”;

ANNOUNCES $5.9 MILLION IN FEDERAL

HOMELESSNESS GRANTS

            Mayor Mufi Hannemann today announced Honolulu will receive $5.9 million in federal funds to assist persons experiencing homelessness.

            Mayor Hannemann said, “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.”

            Hannemann also announced he would become a signatory to the “America’s Road Home” statement of principles and actions, a nationwide effort led by the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.  The council consists of numerous federal agencies.

            He said, “This marks Honolulu’s commitment to collaborating with our partners in the federal and state governments, foundations, and the private sector to end the scourge of homelessness.  I’m pleased to join my fellow mayors from across this great nation in committing to act in partnership in this battle.”

            Phillip Mangano, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said, “Homelessness affects each and every city in the country, from the frigid northeast to the sunny shores of Honolulu.  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.”

            Programs receiving Supportive Housing Program grant funds include:

·       Mental Health Kokua, $870,274 for its Safe Haven facility;

·       Gregory House Programs, $358,400 for transitional housing for persons with HIV/AIDS;

·       United States Veterans Initiative, $341,263 for services to homeless veterans;

·       Steadfast Housing Development Corporation, $207,198 for Hale Ulu Pono;

·       Salvation Army Addiction Treatment Services, $287,906 for its homeless offenders treatment program;

·       Hoomau Ke Ola, $185,147 for chemical dependency treatment;

·       Hale Kipa, Inc., $136,000 for transitional living for homeless youth;

·       Catholic Charities Hawaii, $133,607 for services at Maililand transitional shelter for families;

·       Child & Family Service, $84,488 for domestic violence shelters;

·       Legal Aid Society of Hawaii, $64,669 for legal services to homeless individuals and families;

·       Housing Solutions, Inc., $55,132 for transitional housing for families; and

·       Steadfast Housing Development Corporation, $27,874 for a group home for homeless persons with mental illness.

            Shelter Plus Care renewal grants for rental assistance to homeless persons with disabilities were awarded to:

·       Kalihi Palama Health Center, $1,036,200 and $859,008;

·       Institute for Human Services, $425,388;

·       Steadfast Housing Development Corporation, $386,832; and

·       Gregory House Programs, $506,520.

            Information on the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness is available at: http://www.usich.gov/slocal/index.html.

-30-

Contact

Bill Brennan, 527-6928