Survey: Hawaii homeless population rises slightly
A new survey shows Hawaii’s homeless population has grown slightly over the past year.
A point-in-time count conducted by service providers showed 6,188 people lacked regular shelter on Jan. 25, up about 6 percent from 5,834 people last year.
The figures released by the state Department of Human Services on Friday include both people living outside and those taking refuge in homeless shelters.
Similar point-in-time counts were conducted throughout the nation using the same methodology.
By county, Maui showed a large jump in the number of homeless living in the streets, primarily because of improved survey efforts by outreach coordinators. The figure dropped slightly in Honolulu while increasing in Kauai and Hawaii counties.
Gov. Neil Abercrombie this month announced a 90-day plan to help solve the state’s homeless problem.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!