Embracing the Opportunity for a New Beginning
Sophia’s selflessness and commitment to her clients left an indelible mark on Saralyn's heart. Moreover, it was the love and care she received from the entire team at the Center, including Uncle Clyde, Mrs. Kase, Miss S, Miss T, Dr. Lum, and Miss Yasmeen, gave her the strength to persevere.
As Saralyn's time in the program drew to a close, she was filled with a mix of emotions – fear of the unknown, gratitude for the support she had received, and a burning desire to give back to those who had given her so much. She knew the journey ahead would be challenging, but she was ready to face it head-on, armed with the tools and love she had gained.
(cont. from back cover)
For others struggling with addiction, Saralyn offers this message of hope: “Take the hand that is offered, for it may be the one you need to change your life. With the right resources and support, recovery is possible.”
As Saralyn embarks on this new beginning of sobriety, she carries the love and lessons she has learned with IHS, determined to pay it forward and help others find their way to a brighter future.
Encouragement and consistency are integral to embarking on and continuing the path of new beginnings. For many of our guests and clients, like Saralyn, the compassion shared by IHS staff is a novelty that can take some time to accept and trust.
Each household's journey to homelessness is unique, and so are their obstacles to obtaining stable, permanent housing. In this issue, we are showcasing how our programs are transforming lives and spotlighting ways volunteers are helping bridge our guests into the community prior to them moving out of shelter:
OUTREACH
Our outreach teams venture out across Metro Honolulu, Waikiki/East Honolulu, and Windward Oahu to develop relationships with unsheltered individuals. They work to gather information and conduct assessments to connect individuals with services like
THE WORTHY PATH | THE INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN SERVICES | SPRING/SUMMER 2024 COMMUNITY
Volunteer-led activities give guests opportunity to express themselves creatively.
emergency shelter, stable housing, health care, identification, psychiatric evaluation, medical intervention, and substance use treatment. Since January, 20 clients have moved into housing from right off the street, and seven individuals have been reunited with their loved ones off-island through IHS’ Relocation Program.
CASE MANAGEMENT
IHS Staff help clients achieve long-term stability through collaborative goalsetting and access to resources to live independently. Our Case Management programs offer a comprehensive range of services, each tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and households. Since January, four Community Integration Services (CIS) clients have moved into permanent housing from life unsheltered. Over 72% of our Community Care Services (CCS) clients, which delivers case management for unsheltered individuals with a diagnosed mental illness, are now stabilized in housing and on medication.
Taking Root launched Saturday workshops for the public! Class topics include hydroponics, aquaponics, and composting. Each lesson provides valuable insights into sustainable urban farming practices. Let's cultivate something amazing together!
Scan the QR code to sign up or shop our produce!
tinyurl.com/TakingRootHawaii
HEALTH SERVICES
In just over a year since securing the State's largest aid grant, ‘Imi Ola Piha Homeless Treatment and Triage Center has soared. Since opening its doors last June, 190 individuals have been admitted with a remarkable 80% detox completion rate! ‘Imi Ola Piha has become a beacon of hope for those seeking refuge and support through detox and psychiatric stabilization.
PAEPAE HOU
This spring, we welcomed a new site into our service stream, PaePae Hou. This site is part of Governor Green's Kauhale Initiative. As its name implies, this home is for individuals rebuilding their lives with a solid foundation and strong walls that endure for a lifetime of sober living. This home will have 12 beds for males who have completed inpatient detox treatment or successfully participating in intensive outpatient treatment.
MEALS
Based in our Sumner Men’s Shelter, IHS’ Kitchen serves nearly 810 meals daily to guests of our emergency shelters, the City's Homeless Outreach Navigation Center for Unsheltered Persons (HONU), and ‘Imi Ola Piha. Each meal served reminds current guests that they are respected and valued and have the opportunity to appreciate others in return. Mahalo to the community groups that have stepped up and provided sack lunches and dinners to our guests, lightening the workload of our small but mighty Kitchen team.
SHELTERS
Second to our meals, shelter is what IHS is most known for in our community. Our shelters provide a safe and welcoming environment with tangible support and aloha for those who find themselves without a home.
Upon entry to IHS' shelters, guests complete intake assessments which allow staff to refer them to services for their unique expressed needs. Some guests will stay only a night, while others will stay for months while they take the necessary steps to stabilize their health and get back on their feet.
During the first quarter of 2024, 129 guests across all of IHS' shelters were able to move out and into new homes with the support they received.
KAHAUIKI VILLAGE
Comprised of formerly homeless families and kupuna, Kahauiki Village (KV) continues to be a hub for supportive services provided by community volunteers and partner agencies to empower the residents. Since January, KV has been home to 133 households (573 individuals), including over 280 children.
This summer, KV will host IHS’ Summer Fun program for 60+ keiki from KV and our Kaaahi Family Shelter, thanks to partnerships with the Department of Education, and generous foundations and community members.
EMPLOYMENT
Our Hele2Work (H2W) Program continues to support individuals experiencing homelessness with finding and sustaining employment. Of the 123 new clients enrolled in H2W during the first quarter, 40 found new jobs. We also hosted participants of other agencies’ internship programs at IHS sites, who cleaned offices and completed clerical work.
Between January and March, across Taking Root’s three garden sites–Kaaahi Women’s and Family Shelter, Kahauiki Village, and Hale Mauli‘ola Housing Navigation Center–they harvested over 358 lbs of produce, which is used in IHS’ Kitchen, sold to restaurants and community members, and used for home cooking.
SPRING/SUMMER 2024
IHS' newest site: Paepae Hou Kauhale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MESSAGE
Raising our Voices Advocating for Change
This year, as in years past, IHS stood shoulder to shoulder with social services partners and alongside health care associations and public agencies throughout the State Legislative Session. We continued advocating for improved service delivery for our brothers and sisters facing homelessness, requesting amendments to existing system processes such as the petitioning process for Assisted Community Treatment, to help individuals lacking decisional capacity access life-saving mental health stabilization treatment. We also joined the True Cost Coalition in the fight to increase State contract rates for human services, including our emergency shelters, which have not been adjusted in over 10 years. We joined in calling for the Silver Alert for our elderly who find themselves lost, and for compensation for non-paid family caregivers.
With each testimony offered and every call to advocate for bills that impacted our constituents, we answered throughout the whirlwind 60-legislative day session, it became more apparent to me that people were interested in our work perspective on the ground! Forty-five years on, IHS is still setting trends with our range of services, innovative and tailored solutions, and proven track record at the intersection of mental health, substance use disorder, and homeless services. Thank you, our community, for keeping faith and believing that cycles of homelessness CAN end. Each journey, each obstacle, and each person who engages with us deserves and is worthy of stable housing and resources to live independently. Mahalo for making healing and recovery possible with your prayers and support. Imua!
This year so far in numbers
129 individuals transitioned from IHS shelters into permanent housing.
133 households residing at Kahauiki Village (573 individuals)
358 pounds of produce harvested by Taking Root Urban Agriculture Program
Each person who engages with us deserves and is worthy of stable housing and resources to live independently
810 average meals per day prepared by IHS’ Kitchen
Volunteer Spotlight: Building Bridges of Community
Healthy Activities (led by Kelli):
Across IHS specialty shelters, ‘Imi Ola Piha, and Re-Entry homes, volunteers provide opportunity for participants to engage in light activity, such as neighborhood walks, yoga, or stretching.
Sumner Art Class (led by Phillip):
Every Thursday afternoon, men's shelter guests are able to draw, color, and express themselves on canvas (paper).
Friday Nights @ Hale Mauli‘ola (led by The Vine):
Every Friday, First Presbyterian Church - The Vine members host an activity night! The first Friday of the month is a game night, while the rest are group studies exploring Christianity.
Feel inspired? Check out volunteer opportunities, such as Saturday gardening at Hale Mauli‘ola or serving meals at Sumner Men's, by scanning the QR code or visiting www.ihshawaii.org/volunteer.
Connie Mitchell Executive Director (between January and March) IHS' Clinical Case Management and Outreach teams.
546 Kaaahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96817
ihshawaii.org
Embracing the Opportunity for a New Beginning
Saralyn's journey from addiction to recovery is a testament to the power of love, support, and unwavering dedication of those who helped her along the way.
When her younger brother first connected her with the IHS’ detox treatment program, she struggled to recognize the opportunity that laid before her. However, as she participated in the program, she found herself surrounded by a community of individuals who, like her, were fighting to reclaim their lives.
Through the guidance and support of the staff at ‘Imi Ola Piha Homeless Triage and Treatment Center, particularly her case manager Sophia Carrillo, Saralyn began to understand the importance of loving herself.
(story continues inside)
This newsletter includes the following stories:
• Saralyn's experience at IHS' Triage and Treatment Center
• Program Updates
• Letter from Executive Director
• Volunteer Spotlight
IHS,
for
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The Institute
Human Services, Inc.
Surrounded by IHS ‘Ohana, Saralyn celebrates completing her inpatient program.