The annual Point in Time Count is underway on the Big Island with volunteers and advocates working to provide a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in the community.
On Tuesday, Linda Thomas-Vandervoort scanned aerial photographs taken earlier this month, trying to locate homeless encampments from the ground in order to complete this year’s survey, which is mandated by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The count provides a snapshot of all those experiencing homelessness in shelters, streets, beaches, tents, cars, or other places not meant for human habitation. The data obtained is vital for receiving federal funding from HUD as well as state, local and private sources.
The last statewide Point In Time Count was conducted Jan. 26, 2020, when 2,010 sheltered and unsheltered individuals were identified on the Big Island, down from 2,981 in 2016. The 2021 count was skipped due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
This year, HOPE Services employees, along with volunteers from the Veterans Affairs, West Hawaii Community Health Center and Bay Clinic are scouring West Hawaii from Honaunau to North Kohala for one week in order to get a more accurate count of unsheltered people and families. East Hawaii is also conducting the survey this week.
On Tuesday morning, Thomas-Vandervoort, volunteer homeless outreach coordinator for the nonprofit West Hawaii Community Health Center, and HOPE Services outreach worker Alisha Kamauoha Renaud started their day at 5 a.m., first canvassing Kailua Pier and Old Kona Airport Park. Later, they covered areas along Queen Kaahumanu Highway, Hina Lani Street and Ane Keohokalole Highway looking for unsheltered individuals willing to take the survey.
During Tuesday’s effort, they came across individual “C” who was living in the bushes. He was cleaning up his campsite as they approached. Thomas-Vandervoort knew the individual from previous encounters, so he was receptive to answering questions.
The man has been chronically homeless for 11 years. He indicated he was sleeping in the culvert under the highway but started feeling sick from all of the run-off. He said he is doing his best to keep his area in the bushes clean.
“Thank you for doing that. I’ll bring you some more trash bags so you can clean up some more,” Thomas-Vandervoort told him. She also told him she would be returning later in the week for a medical outreach.
Before leaving, Kamauoha Renaud left him a bag filled with food, hygiene items and a can opener with the promise of a follow-up visit.
Visits to other camps were not as fruitful with residents “not home,” but that did not deter their efforts as they will return later this week as the count continues.
Thomas-Vandervoort and Renaud later found a mother and four keiki ranging in age from 1 to 7 years old living in their car. They became homeless Sunday after a family dispute left them without shelter. The mother said her husband works full-time, but they were unable to secure housing because of the tight rental market, forcing them to sleep in the automobile.
She welcomed outreach services from HOPE Services, hoping to find a place they could call home. Renaud promised a return visit to initiate getting the family into their system.
Another group of three found living in their car indicated they were there by choice, and all employed.
“We are displaced by choice,” said the 50-year-old man who refused services.
The encounters portray the scope of homelessness on the island, from chronic addiction to circumstantial to choice of living condition.
Regardless of the circumstances, Thomas-Vandervoort offered the support of medical outreach and the opportunity to link to services.
The count, which began Monday, will continue until Friday from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. is conducted in West Hawaii by four HOPE Services workers and five volunteers. Results from the survey will be available in the next few months.
