Honolulu Hale Lit Up for Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week

Mayor Rick Blangiardi has requested that Honolulu Hale be lit in the color purple from sundown on Monday, Nov. 15 through sunrise on Friday, Nov. 19 in recognition of Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week.

“Providing support for all individuals experiencing homelessness on O‘ahu and helping every person facing food insecurity will not be solved in a single week but recognizing this week is critically important,” said Mayor Blangiardi. “And here is why: each time a call is placed to the Statewide Homeless Help line, our Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) team is dispatched, or someone in need is directed to Aloha United Way 2-1-1, that is one individual, a couple, or even a family, helped. Being a part of the solution is easy and simple, but it all starts with awareness and learning the ways you can help. Mahalo to our Office of Housing and Homelessness, our State counterparts, and Partners in Care for supporting the most vulnerable members of our communities and keeping a focus on permanent housing.”

On O‘ahu, there are more than 4,000 homeless individuals on any given night, including more than half who are unsheltered and sleeping on the sidewalks, beaches, in their vehicles, or in other areas not meant for human habitation. Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, is typically held the week before Thanksgiving and is meant to raise awareness about the pressing issues of hunger and homelessness, as well as poverty. Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 is also the date of the statewide 2021 Homeless Awareness Virtual Conference, Ho‘ohanohano, Serving with Dignity, Honor, and Distinction. 

To find out more about the 2021 Homeless Awareness Virtual Conference, visit here. The conference will feature a presentation by Anton Krucky, Director Designate of the Department of Community Service, City and County of Honolulu.