WHEREAS, chronic or long-term homelessness represents 10 to 20 percent of the homeless population in the United States and requires more than half of all of the federal resources allocated to combat homelessness; and

WHEREAS, state resources necessary for hospital and emergency room visits, police interventions, and periods of incarceration for the chronically homeless who suffer from physical and mental disabilities reduce resources available for the remaining 80 to 90 percent of the homeless population who are without homes because of temporary financial hardships; and

WHEREAS, while previous policies of intervention focused on homeless shelters, such practices were largely ineffective when space was limited and the "revolving door" back onto the street was the only option for an individual; and

WHEREAS, according to a leading researcher on homelessness, the cost of permanent housing for the homeless is "essentially the same" as the costs associated with life on the streets; and

WHEREAS, the primary strategy of current federal policies committed to combating homelessness focuses on providing permanent housing for individuals, thus offering them access to basic services such as housing and treatment; and

WHEREAS, social service agencies for mental health and welfare, as well as the criminal justice system, can be used as tools to prevent homelessness and to reduce the national homeless population and costs less than interventions that are unable to prevent individuals from returning to the streets; and

WHEREAS, increased coordination among federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Health and Human Services, and Veteran Administration is necessary for generating a more concentrated effort against homelessness in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the Interagency Council on Homelessness leads the initiative in the coordination of various departments and resources focused on intervention and preventive services; and

WHEREAS, faith-based organizations historically have had the resources and infrastructure necessary for meeting the needs of the homeless; and

WHEREAS, a partnership with these faith-based organizations, where the receipt of federal funds is facilitated, would greatly contribute to the campaign to fight homelessness and provide for families in need; and

WHEREAS, current federal policies advocate the elimination of chronic homelessness in the United States in ten years through intervention and prevention programs implemented through the coordinated efforts and partnerships of various federal agencies and faith-based organizations; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, that the Legislature of the State of Hawaii urges the President to support federal policies aimed at ending homelessness in the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States.

Report Title:

Requesting the President to support policies ending homelessness in the United States.