Homelessness in Hawai‘i Decreases 10%

Hawai‘i’s homeless population has decreased for the second consecutive year across the state; Hawai‘i County saw an 8.8% decrease.

The annual Point in Time count—a census of people experiencing homelessness—showed a nearly 10% overall decrease in the number of homeless individuals across the state compared with the same period last year.

The 2018 count found 6,530 homeless individuals across Hawai‘i compared with 7,220 in 2017. On O‘ahu, the 2018 count found 4,495 homeless individuals compared with 4,959 in 2017. Homelessness on O‘ahu decreased for the first time since 2009.

“This validates that our comprehensive program for reducing homelessness is working,” Gov. Ige said. “Our focus on Housing First, putting homeless individuals in permanent housing and offering services, is decreasing homelessness across the board. Collaborating with Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and our mayors across the state, and coordinating county, state and federal programs have resulted in drops in homelessness the last two years. We stayed the course and gave our programs time to build momentum, and we are now seeing the results.”

Every county experienced a decrease in homelessness. Kaua‘i County saw the largest decrease at 28.9%, O‘ahu saw a 9.4% decrease and Maui County saw a 2.6% decline.

A link to the Point in Time report, compiled by Hawai‘i’s two Continuums of Care—Bridging the Gap and Partners in Care—can be found on the governor’s website.