LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i County Council Chair Mel Rapozo, one of more than a handful of representatives of groups seeking solutions to hunger and homeless, said on Thursday that although November is recognized as being Homeless and Hunger Awareness Month — homeless and hunger awareness should be every day.
Taking place nationally, the week before Thanksgiving, Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week sheds light on a big problem that less fortunate people face in society.
Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami issued a proclamation, which was shared by members of the County Council, and Gov. Josh Green. His liaison, Dana Hazelton, joined the group.
Rapozo and Councilman Bernard Carvalho Jr., en route to the proclamation, stumbled i[on a group of Kaua‘i RSVP volunteers awaiting the arrival of fresh produce boxes, which would later be delivered to residents, the majority of whom are kupuna.
“Addressing hunger and homelessness is a community effort,” said Kawakami, relaying a story of when he served as a closing cashier at a Big Save Market.
“We express our gratitude to our Housing Agency, Kaua‘i Community Alliance hereafter referred to as KCA, the Kaua‘i County Council, and all partners in the continuum of care who work tirelessly to serve our community. They search for solutions, seek funding support, develop housing opportunities, and provide critical services with compassion and aloha for our people. We appreciate their efforts in making a positive impact on our community.”
In observance of Homelessness Awareness Month, the KCA joined the regular county-recognized relief days at the Salvation Army Lihu‘e and Hanapepe Corps., and the All Saints Episcopal Church with its fifth annual Kaua‘i Housing Connect homeless outreach event.
More than 14 nonprofit agencies joined the anchor relief efforts of the Project Vision mobile hot shower and Ho‘ola Lahui Hawai‘i to provide flu, COVID, and pneumonia vaccinations, expanded wound care through the appearance of the Ho‘ola Lahui mobile clinic, primary care, family planning, vital documents, Narcan training, smoking cessation, Med-Quest and housing voucher sign ups.
“This year’s Kaua‘i Housing Connect event provides a great opportunity for everyone to make a difference, no matter how small or large their contribution,” said Housing Director Adam Roversi. “Our Housing Agency staff is proud to partner with the Kaua‘i Community Alliance to conduct outreach across the island, connecting people with programs and services.”
One of the Housing Agency staff is Farah Aquino, who comes into the position of Homeless Coordinator with a background of being the driver for the Project Vision Mobile Hot Shower Unit.
“There are a lot of people out there that I love and care about,” Aquino said. “I just want to thank Adam Roversi for giving me this chance.”
