Honolulu searching for passionate individual to serve as next Homeless Coordinator
Jan 10, 2025
HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Honolulu's Department of Community Services is searching for the next City and County of Honolulu's Homeless Coordinator in hopes of executing innovative solutions to address Oʻahu's homeless crisis.
Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You
The ideal candidate is described as a "highly motivated, caring and compassionate leader" that can work with a hands-on approach and collaborate with community, non-profit, private sector and federal partners to aid the crisis.
"Homelessness has long been one of Oʻahu's most intractable problems, and our commitment to providing solutions in communities across this island has never been greater," said Mayor Rick Blangiardi. "Our next Homeless Coordinator must possess both the willingness to utilize a hands-on approach to help people on our streets and the vision to strategically address this crisis, and I am confident in our ability to find a capable leader to take on this challenge."
Honolulu passes resolution to tackle homeless crisis before 2028 games
In 2024, Honolulu was able to open additional facilities to provide assistance to the island's homeless population. Over 500 beds were added through these facilities, as well as medical care resources.
The new Homeless Coordinator will be responsible for continuing the outreach opportunities, beginning with the opening of Iwilei Center, a 100 bed shelter for individuals and couples who would otherwise be on the street. The new center is expected to open early this year.
"Given what is at stake, we are looking for someone who can be aggressive in helping us pick up the pace and get projects done, for the good of our island," Blangiardi said. "We need to cut down the time it takes to get new facilities open and make new services available, because the reality of the situation demands that take unprecedented action."
In addition to responsibilities within the City and County of Honolulu, the new Homeless Coordinator will collaborate with the state and the governor.
The position will also oversee a dedicated team at the Department of Community Services that works hands-on with Honolulu's Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement experts to respond to those experiencing homelessness on a case-by-case basis.
Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here
Those interested in serving as the next Homeless Coordinator should submit their cover letter and resume to [email protected] to be considered.