Report Title:

Homeless Services; Unclaimed Property Trust Fund

Description:

Earmarks up to $1 million annually in excess funds from the unclaimed property trust fund for homeless services.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2027

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to homeless services.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that research-based evidence indicates that the problem of chronic homelessness can be solved rather than simply managed. According to a study by the University of Pittsburgh, ten per cent of the homeless are chronically homeless and they are using fifty per cent of the homeless assistance resources. By strategically focusing efforts on this segment of the homeless population, there will be a positive impact on the homeless assistance resources. Furthermore, it has been found that individuals who are chronically homeless are homeless for long periods of time and usually have mental illnesses, drug dependencies, and other serious health problems that keep them from utilizing the mainstream service system and so are not currently receiving assistance. The University of Pittsburgh study further reports that individuals in the New York City and Pittsburgh areas have been successfully housed, for about the same cost, for periods of four to five years with support services, rather than warehoused in shelters or delegated to the streets only to be routinely displaced by law enforcement. Part of the solution is a consistent source of funding dedicated to the purpose of solving homelessness. Over the years, the problem has grown and the programs have grown, but the funding has been inconsistent.

The legislature further finds that federal funds for supportive housing are available, but are contingent upon the State providing more concentrated support services than are currently available. These support services include housing placement, outreach, and case management assistance. The legislature further finds that it is in the State’s interest to provide for these services in order to maximize its share of federal funds.

Additionally, it has been discovered that the sooner outreach and other types of services are provided to individuals, the sooner homelessness will end for these individuals. Homeless service providers throughout Hawaii have worked diligently alongside state, city, and community members to create solutions for the various problems associated with homelessness. These alliances have demonstrated the need for services, as well as the willingness of all stakeholders to participate in the various solutions proposed.

The legislature further finds that services that are most important to the strategy of providing permanent supportive housing are outreach, housing placement, and case management. It has been recognized that there is a large population of homeless individuals in Hawaii who suffer from substance abuse or mental illness. Outreach dedicated to these populations is necessary to assist individuals and families in obtaining appropriate care and referrals. Housing placement services assist families in finding and securing appropriate housing. Follow-up case management services and counseling are also necessary to stabilize individuals and families in housing and to decrease the homeless recidivism rate. Through these activities, individuals and families are supported in their endeavor to remain housed and healthy.

The purpose of this Act is to secure a dedicated source of funding for homeless assistance in order to end homelessness in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. Section 523A-23.5, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

"(d) [All unencumbered] Unencumbered and unexpended moneys in excess of $1,300,000 remaining on balance in the unclaimed property trust fund on June 30 of each year shall be disposed of as follows:

(1) Up to the first $1,000,000 thereof shall be transferred on July 1 of each year to the department of human services for expenditure on homeless services provided or contracted for by the department of human services pursuant to part IV of chapter 201G. For purposes of this paragraph, "homeless services" includes but is not limited to outreach, housing placement, and case management for homeless individuals and families; and

(2) All remaining amounts shall lapse to the credit of the state general fund."

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

 

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________