National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week and
Homeless Awareness Month observed in November
LĪHU‘E – A small ceremony was held Friday at the Līhu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Rotunda to proclaim the month of November as Homelessness Awareness Month in an effort to educate the public, bring awareness to the problem of poverty, and support volunteers engaged in the community. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is also observed from November 17 to 23, 2024.
“Homelessness on Kaua‘i continues to be a complex challenge that requires the entire community’s support to solve,” said Farah Aquino, the Kaua‘i County Housing Agency’s homeless coordinator. “Food insecurity and hunger also reach into most of our working-class homes. We are grateful for our partners, the Hawai‘i Food Bank Kaua‘i and our many nonprofit Homeless Service providers that do this work tirelessly day in and day out. We couldn't address these issues without them.”
Director of Finance Chelsie Sakai presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami during Friday’s ceremony which was attended by various agencies including Governor Josh Green’s Kaua‘i Liaison Dana Hazelton, members of the Kaua‘i County Council, and representatives from Family Life Center, Kaua‘i Community Alliance, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Hale Opio, Project Vision, PAL-Kaua‘i, and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity.
“As the holidays inspire a spirit of giving, 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 that hunger and homelessness are widespread problems that affect far too many people,” stated Mayor Kawakami in his proclamation. “Our Housing Agency works constantly to provide housing vouchers to qualified residents and develop more affordable housing on the island while staying engaged with homeless service providers who offer critical services with compassion and are making a positive impact on our community.”
Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo also gave remarks during the ceremony.
“Though we focus on the needs of the hungry and houseless during the month of November, the Kaua‘i County Council urges everyone blessed with food and shelter to support the less fortunate year-round,” Chair Rapozo said.
With the entire month of November observed as Homelessness Awareness Month, Project Housing Connect and the Kaua‘i Community Alliance will host various events throughout November. For more information on Project Housing Connect events, please contact Crystal Caday-Bargayo at 808-855-8687. For more information on Kaua‘i Community Alliance, the island’s local Continuum of Care, please contact Makana Kamibayashi at 808-212-0850.
To learn more about Homelessness Awareness Month or National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, contact Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Homeless Coordinator Farah Aquino at faquino@kauai.gov.
 Friday’s ceremony was attended by various agencies including the Office of the Mayor and county representatives, Governor Josh Green’s Kaua‘i Liaison Dana Hazelton, members of the Kaua‘i County Council, and representatives from Family Life Center, Kaua‘i Community Alliance, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i, Hale Opio, Project Vision, PAL-Kaua‘i, and Kaua‘i Economic Opportunity.
  Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Homeless Coordinator Farah Aquino (left) and Director of Finance Chelsie Sakai who presented a proclamation on behalf of Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami on Friday.
 From left to right: Councilmember Addison Bulosan, Councilmember Ross Kagawa, Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Homeless Coordinator Farah Aquino, Assistant Homeless Coordinator Kimberlynn Rubin, Council Chair Mel Rapozo, and Councilmember Felicia Cowden.
 Kaua‘i County Housing Agency Homeless Coordinator Farah Aquino gave remarks at Friday's ceremony.
 Director of Finance Chelsie Sakai expressed remarks on behalf of Mayor Kawakami during Friday's ceremony.
 Governor’s Kaua‘i Liaison Dana Hazelton offered remarks and presented a certificate from the Office of the Governor.
 Council Chair Mel Rapozo presented a certifiate on behalf of the members of the Kaua‘i County Council.
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