In an effort to raise consciousness about the plight of the homeless on Kaua‘i, local officials gathered recently to designate November as Homelessness Awareness Month. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week will also be recognized from November 17 to 23, amidst growing concerns over poverty and food insecurity on the island. Farah Aquino, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency's homeless coordinator, emphasized to the Kauai government website that addressing these challenges "requires the entire community’s support to solve."

During a small ceremony at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Rotunda, Chelsie Sakai, Director of Finance, represented Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and presented a proclamation acknowledging the serious issues of hunger and homelessness. As stated in the official proclamation, "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 notably different. The Housing Agency aims to ease this burden by providing housing vouchers and developing more affordable housing. They have collaborated with local homeless service providers to extend critical services to those in need.

Mayor Kawakami's acknowledgment of the situation underscores an ethos of compassion and civic duty, particularly during the holiday season. With widespread problems such as hunger and homelessness affecting many, the mayor's proclamation impels action and awareness. As the Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo added during his remarks at the ceremony, while November draws attention to these challenges, the goal is to inspire continuous support for the less fortunate.

Project Housing Connect and the Kaua‘i Community Alliance are working together to host a series of events throughout the month of November that aim to educate and garner greater involvement in combating homelessness. Anyone seeking to learn more about these events or get involved can reach out to Crystal Caday-Bargayo at 808-855-8687 or Makana Kamibayashi at 808-212-0850, respectively. The hope is that through a concerted effort, the struggles faced by the houseless and hungry in the community can be alleviated, one step at a time.