HI HB699

Appropriates $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2017-2018 and $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Human Services for the housing first program.

Expands the housing first program beyond Oahu to serve chronically homeless individuals on neighboring islands.

Housing first program provides direct placement into housing and support services for chronically homeless people without preconditions of treatment compliance or abstinence.

Program incorporates five key principles: immediate housing placement, robust support services, priority for chronically homeless individuals, harm-reduction approach to addictions, and tenant protections.

Effective July 1, 2017.