The Hawaii Public Housing Authority has been awarded $14,844,329 by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Capital Fund to improve public housing throughout the state.
The announcement was made by Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development.
In a statement, Sen. Schatz emphasized the importance of providing affordable and safe housing for all.
“Everyone deserves an affordable and safe place to live,” he said. “This new funding will help make repairs and improvements to homes across Hawaii, providing better living conditions for local families who rely on public housing.”
The Public Housing Capital Fund provides grants for the development, financing, modernization, and improvements of public housing properties across the country.
The funding will go toward making repairs and improvements to public housing properties in Hawaii, as well as improving living conditions for low-income families and individuals who rely on these homes for shelter. This funding is particularly important, as Hawaii has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the country.
According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, Hawaii had an estimated 6,530 people experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2020. The report also noted that the state had the highest rate of unsheltered homeless individuals in the country.
The news was welcomed by advocates for affordable housing in Hawaii.
“We are grateful for the support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Capital Fund, which will help us make much-needed repairs and improvements to public housing properties across the state,” Executive Director of the Hawaii Public Housing Authority James Logue said in a statement.
“This funding will help us provide better living conditions for the families and individuals who rely on public housing in Hawai‘i.”
