Kauai officials and various representatives participated in a ceremony on Friday to proclaim November as Homelessness Awareness Month that aims to educate the public, bring awareness to the problem of poverty, and support volunteers assisting in the community.

What You Need To Know

  • Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will be observed nationwide Nov. 17 through 23

  • “As the holidays inspire a spirit of giving, no one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head, but the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people,” stated Mayor Kawakami in his proclamation

  • “Though we focus on the needs of the hungry and houseless during the month of November, the Kauai County Council urges everyone blessed with food and shelter to support the less fortunate year-round,” said Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will be observed nationwide Nov. 17 through 23.

“Homelessness on Kauai continues to be a complex challenge that requires the entire community’s support to solve,” said Farah Aquino, Kauai County Housing Agency’s homeless coordinator, in a news release. “Food insecurity and hunger also reach into most of our working-class homes. We are grateful for our partners, the Hawaii Food Bank Kauai and our many nonprofit Homeless Service providers that do this work tirelessly day in and day out. We couldn't address these issues without them.”

On behalf of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, Director of Finance Chelsie Sakai presented the proclamation at the ceremony attended by Gov. Josh Green’s Liaison Dana Hazelton, Kauai County Council members, and representatives from Family Life Center, Kauai Community Alliance, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hale Opio, Project Vision, PAL-Kauai, and Kauai Economic Opportunity.

In the proclamation, Kawakami stated, “As the holidays inspire a spirit of giving, no one should have to worry about whether they will have food on their plate or a roof over their head, but the reality is that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people.

“Our Housing Agency works constantly to provide housing vouchers to qualified residents and develop more affordable housing on the island while staying engaged with homeless service providers who offer critical services with compassion and are making a positive impact on our community,” Kawakami said.

Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo also shared remarks at Friday’s ceremony.

“Though we focus on the needs of the hungry and houseless during the month of November, the Kauai County Council urges everyone blessed with food and shelter to support the less fortunate year-round,” said Rapozo.

Throughout November, Project Housing Connect and the Kauai Community Alliance will be hosting various events. For more information on Project Housing Connect events, contact Crystal Caday-Bargayo at 808-855-8687. For information on Kauai Community Alliance events, contact Makana Kamibayashi at 808-212-0850.