2 minute read
‘Imi Ola Piha: To Seek One's Fullest Life
According to the 2022 Point in Time count of Oahu’s unsheltered, 54% were chronically homeless. Over 40% struggled with mental illness, and 33% selfreported a substance use disorder. While many denied substance abuse, outreach observations indicate that numbers are much higher than is reported.
On March 1st, we welcomed community leaders and friends to unveil ‘Imi Ola Piha, IHS’ new Homeless Triage Center, the latest addition to our line-up of services. Its name extends a warm invitation to homeless individuals to begin the journey of “seeking their fullest life”. For years, when someone was ready to begin addressing their addiction, medication assisted detox was simply beyond reach.
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Sandra, a community-care case management client, celebrating her homecoming.
For years, when someone was ready to begin addressing their addiction, medication assisted detox was simply beyond reach. ‘Imi Ola Piha provides a solution long needed: treatment on demand and the support to continue recovery after the initial detox phase.
‘Imi Ola Piha is a place of transformation, where homeless individuals who are motivated to change can do just that. Every individual who walks through our doors will be treated with respect and dignity, and provided a safe and comforting environment where medically-monitored substance use detox and/or psychiatric treatment will be initiated or reinstated. Shelter, meals, and a connection to long-term housing or continued treatment are
also a part of the program. The communitybased facility is the first of its kind in the State. Many partners across public and private sectors came together to make this triage center possible. The City awarded federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funds for the initial acquisition and renovation of the former pet hospital. The State Legislature awarded a Grant-In-Aid to cover first-year operational costs. Bank of Hawaii and First Hawaiian Bank supported with private grants for us to furnish and secure the facility.
When the doors open, the Honolulu Police Department will make the first referrals to the ‘Imi Ola Piha during our pilot period. To learn more, visit ihshawaii.org/triage.
