David Y. Ige

HONOLULU –  Gov. David Ige announced today that more than 400 homeless individuals will be served over the next two years through the state’s new Family Assessment Center.  The Family Assessment Center (FAC) is the converted maintenance shed, adjacent to Kaka‘ako Waterfront Park. It will temporarily house homeless families while they are being connected to services and long-term housing by Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s social service specialists.

The FAC, to be operated by Catholic Charities Hawaii, is a low-barrier facility that will operate 24/7. Guests will not be required to have identification – a key obstacle for many people experiencing homelessness. Families will be quickly transitioned to permanent housing or other appropriate services in 90 days or less. The facility will open on September 26. Shortly afterwards, Catholic Charities Hawai‘i will announce when the first families will move into the site.

“Today is an important day for families facing homelessness on O‘ahu. When we address homelessness in families, we’re influencing entire generations,” said Governor Ige.

Governor Ige handed the facility keys over to Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s President and CEO Jerry Rauckhorst in a special ceremony at the site today. “Catholic Charities Hawaii is proud to be selected to oversee the state’s new Family Assessment Center,” said Rauckhorst. “This new facility complements Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s philosophy of providing those in need with ‘a hand up, not a handout.'”

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/govhawaii/albums/72157673965229145

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Media Contacts:

Julie Ford

Special Assistant and Public Affairs

Office: 808-586-0193

Mobile: 808-208-3712

[email protected]

 

Cindy McMillan

Communications Director

Office of the Governor

Office: 808-586-0012

Mobile: 808-265-7974

[email protected]