HI HB700

Amends Act 234, Session Laws of Hawaii 2016 to expand the purpose of homeless shelter programs to include previously housed individuals who lost housing due to unforeseen circumstances.

Defines "emergency shelter" as a facility providing temporary shelter and services for up to six months, replacing previous language about specified periods.

Establishes minimum shelter facility requirements: at least one shower, one sink, and one toilet per 25 residents; partitioned space for each resident; and securable personal storage determined by individual shelter space availability.

Allows the Department of Human Services to adjust homeless shelter stipend payments annually based on performance measures achieved by provider agencies, such as number of individuals sheltered and services provided.

Appropriates funds for fiscal years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 to establish two full-time program specialist positions and to create or improve emergency and transitional shelters for homeless families and individuals.