ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The Homelessness and Housing Conference, hosted by

Partners in Care, the Hawaiʻi Housing Affordability Coalition, and Bridging the Gap, is a two-day event designed to bring together a diverse range of stakeholders to address the pressing issues of homelessness and housing insecurity in Hawai'i. With a focus on creating awareness, fostering dialogue, and exploring effective policy solutions, this conference aims to drive meaningful change to build a more equitable housing landscape for Hawai'i.

E Neʻe Pu I Mua
(Moving Forward Together)

In a world where we face overwhelming challenges on global, national, local, systemic, and individual levels, it is easy to succumb to despair. However, our conference theme of "E Neʻe Pu I Mua" holds a powerful message that despair does not serve us. Instead, it urges us to ask the crucial question, "What can we do?" In response, we find solace in the phrase "Pūpūkahi i Holomua" (Unite to Move Forward). This theme resonates deeply, reminding us that by joining forces, collaborating, and standing united, we possess the strength and resilience to navigate through adversity and carve a path towards progress.

By coming together as a community, we can tackle the complex issues of homelessness and Hawai'i's affordable housing crisis. It reminds us that collective effort, collaboration, and a shared commitment to finding solutions are essential in addressing these pressing social concerns. With unity as our foundation, we can forge innovative strategies, advocate for change, and create a society where every individual has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.

By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government representatives, nonprofit organizations, community leaders, and individuals impacted by housing insecurity, we aim to facilitate dialogue and foster partnerships. The conference will serve as a platform for exchanging ideas, best practices, and actionable recommendations that can inform policy development and implementation at local, regional, and statewide levels.

Together, on November 3rd and 4th, we will work towards forging a collective commitment to address homelessness and housing insecurity in Hawai'i. Through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, we can strive towards a future where safe and affordable housing is a fundamental right for all individuals and families, ensuring a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.

Nānā i ke kumu (Look to the Source)

We must look to the source of our housing needs to guide us in envisioning a future Hawai'i where everyone is housed. Throughout the islands' past, housing has been seen as an essential component of community well-being, reflecting Hawai‘i’s deep cultural values of social responsibility. However, our current housing approach ignores this and has deepened the housing crisis we face today. By returning to our roots, acknowledging the importance of housing as a human right, we can pave the way towards a more equitable housing future for all residents of Hawai‘i.

*Language is a gateway to understanding, respect, and unity. It is also a powerful tool for tranformation, bridging the gap between past and future. We have incorporated 'Ōlelo into our conference themes and titles to pay homage to Hawai'i's rich history so that it can serve as the foundation of our collective future.

MEET THE HOSTS

Partners in Care

As O'ahu's Continuum of Care (CoC), Partners In Care works as a support system for all homeless service providers on the island. Our mission is to end homelessness through collaboration with all stakeholders, including individuals with lived experience. The issues of poverty, mental health care, substance abuse and the lack of affordable housing in Hawaii demand our entire community come together to address them. Through data collection, analysis, evaluation of programs to determine whether they should be funded, we work towards having every resident on O’ahu equal access to affordable and safe housing, and to services that will help them meet their own goals.

Hawai'i Housing Affordability Coalition

The Hawai'i Housing Affordability Coalition is a collaborative alliance of organizations, advocates, and community members committed to addressing the housing affordability crisis in Hawai'i. By advocating for policy changes, promoting innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships, the coalition works towards ensuring that all residents have access to safe, affordable, and quality housing. Together, they strive to create a Hawai'i where housing is attainable for everyone, regardless of income or background.

Bridging the Gap

BTG is a group of diverse stakeholders representing the rural counties of Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii that carries out the operating and planning responsibilities of the Continuum of Care, as defined in the HEARTH Act. BTG’s composition reflects the unique nature of each island comprising the CoC. BTG promotes a community-wide commitment to the goals of preventing and ending homelessness by quickly re-housing homeless households while minimizing trauma and dislocation.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

E Neʻe Pu I Mua (Moving Forward Together)

Nānā i ke kumu (Look to the Source)

MEET THE HOSTS

E Neʻe Pu I Mua
(Moving Forward Together)