State of Hawai`i Homeless Programs Office Overview
The State of Hawai`i Homeless Programs Office (HPO) is part of the Department of Human Services (DHS). It is responsible for administering state and federal funding for contracted core homeless service programs across the islands. It does not provide direct services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Key Functions:
- Funding & Administration: Manages grants and contracts that provide funding for:
- Civil legal services
- Homeless street outreach
- Homelessness prevention
- Housing placement programs
- Permanent supportive housing
- Rapid re-housing
- Shelter operations
- State homeless emergency grants
- Coordination: Works with the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions (SOHHS) to implement statewide homelessness policy, coordinate interagency efforts, and pilot innovative solutions like the Kauhale initiative.
How to Access Services
HPO itself does not provide direct services to people experiencing homelessness. Instead:
- Homeless Programs: Reference the Programs section of this website or SOHHS Resource Guide for a list of local providers and services they provide.
- Oahu Specific: For urgent, non-violent homeless-related concerns, call the Honolulu CORE hotline at (808) 768-2673 or email HonoluluCORE@honolulu.gov.
- Emergency/Transitional Shelters: Use HPO's Shelter Vacancies dashboard to find available statewide shelter beds.
- Other Resources: For identification, housing navigation, employment, and healthcare, connect with local providers via the links above or call 2-1-1 for statewide assistance.
Related Statewide Office
Based in Honolulu, SOHHS works closely with the Governor and his cabinet to develop policies and programs to end homelessness. Working with community partners, non-profit organizations, and other government agencies, SOHHS designs, tests, and evaluates innovative approaches to address homelessness in Hawai`i
Tip: If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, start by contacting a local outreach provider, HPO or the SOHHS to connect with services. HPO supports these programs through funding and oversight, but direct help comes from contracted service agencies.