Faith-based summit on homelessness offers workshops and community building
On March 14, 2016, faith leaders gathered with service providers and issue experts for Hawaii’s first faith-based summit on homelessness. The Institute for Human Services (IHS) coordinated the event, which was held at Central Union Church in Honolulu.
Jun Yang, John Heidel, and TIAH board members Cecilia Fordham and Richard Walenta at the Faith Summit on Homelessness. Photo credit: IHS
The summit included plenary talks by Connie Mitchell, IHS Executive Director, and Doug Chin, Hawaii State Attorney General. A series of four workshops covered topics such as what to do when a homeless person comes to your campus, deciding when to give funds and resources, connecting faith to homelessness responses, and systems that perpetuate homelessness.
A special award was presented to St. Mary’s Church of Moiliili for its leadership in establishing the St. Mary’s of Moiliili Homeless Service Center. On the last Thursday of every month, the center provides unsheltered and at-risk individuals access to free meals and clothing, haircuts, and social services.
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