HONOLULU — On Monday, the Iwilei Resource Center, Honolulu’s newest medical respite center focused on the homeless community, opened, according to a news release.

The $17 million facility is ready to accommodate 19 patients, with services provided 24/7. Services include assistance with hygiene, clothing, medical care, establishing a primary care provider, as well as help with documentation and medical insurance. The goal is to provide patients with permanent housing within one month.

“Homelessness is complex — effective solutions require a team effort and multiple strategies for success. This new medical respite center is one necessary component,” said Honolulu Emergency Services Director Jim Ireland in the release. “I can’t thank our Emergency Services Department Deputy Director Ian Santee, all our C.O.R.E team members and government partners enough for helping us make this a reality.”

The Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement Program has already established care with the initial patients entering the facility. C.O.R.E. will be the primary team to identify new patients but will also work with hospitals for patient referrals, according to the release.

“This facility will allow us a place to take the most vulnerable in our community to receive medical treatment and valuable support in a clean, safe and dignified environment,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi.

"I am extremely proud of Dr. Jim Ireland and his CORE team, who really hit the ground running to get this facility operational in a matter of just a few weeks. The medical respite and wrap-around services we will provide at the Iwilei Resource Center will set our neighbors most in-need on a corrective path to stability,” said Blangiardi.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.