HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

3

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

requesting the congressional delegation of the state of hawaii to support federal policies designed to eliminate homelessness in the united states.

 

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 are needed to pay for hospital and emergency room visits, police interventions, and periods of incarceration as many of the chronically homeless suffer from physical and mental disabilities requiring such attention, which reduces the 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, the prevention of homelessness for individuals who pass through social services agencies such as mental health, welfare, and the criminal justice systems is another tool for reducing the national homeless population at a reduced cost when compared to intervention itself, which is unable to prevent individuals from becoming homeless or returning to the streets; and

WHEREAS, increased coordination among separate federal agencies such as the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the 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 their 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, the Senate concurring, that the Legislature of the State of Hawaii requests the Congressional delegation of the State of Hawaii to support federal policies aimed at ending homelessness in the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to each member of Hawaii's Congressional delegation.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title:

Requesting Congress to support policies ending homelessness