Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches, tropical weather, rich culture, pineapples, and so much more. With its white sand beaches, Honolulu, often appears on lists of top tourist destinations in the United States.

“Honolulu is a bustling city, which makes it easy to blend in,” explained Alika Campbell, a Program Coordinator with Hale Kipa. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic and the passage of City and County legislation aimed at eliminating homeless encampments, youth experiencing homelessness are more mobile and hidden.”

This shift in where homeless young people live has made it challenging for the team at Hale Kipa and their youth outreach program, YO!, to identify and help these young people. Park closures and increased enforcement measures force these young people to move around more frequently, and as a result, Hale Kipa has a tough time staying in touch with individuals.

To remedy this issue, Hale Kipa’s staff has been increasing its outreach to other parts of O‘ahu so they can continue to provide services to this in-need population.

As of January 2020, Hawaii had an estimated 6,458 people experiencing homelessness on any given day, as reported by the Continuums of Care to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Of those, 299 were unaccompanied young adults between the ages of 18 and 24.

YO! Staff Members: Paige O’Farrell, Malcolm Iwami, TJ Tom, Joyce Stevens, Alika Campbell

Since 1970, Hale Kipa, has championed Hawai‘i’s youth and children. They provide youth outreach, independent living facilities, therapeutic foster care, a haven for runaways, and more. Their founders recognized a need for a nonprofit to assist this deserving population and they remain committed to this critical work today, on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, and the Island of Hawai‘i.

During past National Runaway Prevention Month campaigns, Hale Kipa’s team has secured a proclamation from the Mayor of Honolulu, illuminated City Hall with green lights, participated in “Wear Green” Day, and more.

We appreciate Hale Kipa’s involvement in National Runaway Prevention Month and encourage you to learn more about this organization by visiting https://www.halekipa.org/.