May 5, 2006- Next Step Project

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On May 1, the people of Hawai`i witnessed the good that can happen when government and the private sector work together, as the state opened a temporary emergency shelter in Kaka`ako. 

This facility will accommodate homeless individuals and families who were staying at churches after the city evicted them from Ala Moana Park.

This was a mammoth undertaking by numerous state agencies and social service providers including the Affordable Housing and Homeless Alliance, H5 and the Waikiki Health Center.  It is designed to help the homeless take the next step toward finding permanent housing. 

This safe and secure facility will provide up to 200 people a place to stay at night, as well as social services they might need to find employment, seek housing and address other needs to help them become self-sufficient.

Our Administration will continue to work with people from all walks of life, to find long-term solutions to end homelessness in our state.

Mahalo.  This is Governor Linda Lingle.