HI HB1196

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to continue administering Housing First programs for chronically homeless individuals.

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services for a rapid re-housing program to assist homeless individuals and families in obtaining or maintaining permanent housing and to cover housing stabilization services.

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Public Housing Authority for the state rent supplement program to assist homeless individuals and families or those at imminent risk of homelessness obtain and maintain permanent housing.

Establishes that Housing First programs move chronically homeless individuals directly into housing without treatment preconditions, provide robust support services, prioritize chronically homeless participants, employ harm-reduction approaches to addiction, and provide leases with tenant protections.

Notes that Hawaii has the highest per capita rate of homelessness of any state with an estimated 7,921 people living on streets and in shelters, requiring multi-faceted approaches including Housing First, rapid re-housing, and rent supplement programs.