HI SCR44

Urges the Legislature to support and encourage further implementation of housing first programs and services to address chronic homelessness in Hawaii as soon as possible.

Notes that chronically homeless individuals comprise over 26 percent of Hawaii's homeless population but require more than 50 percent of resources allocated to combat homelessness.

Cites research showing that 85 percent of chronically homeless people who move into permanent supportive housing stabilize and maintain that housing, with potential annual cost savings of $35,000 to $150,000 per person.

References Act 212, Session Laws of Hawaii 2010, which previously created a housing first special fund and established a process for implementing housing first programs.

Directs transmission of the resolution to federal agencies, state officials, county governments, and numerous community organizations involved in homelessness and housing services.