From Home To Homeless

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“One solution would be to have them go to a homeless shelter," 

Bradley Hatfield said.

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October 29th, 2013 - Wai'anae, Hawaii

Many people believe that homelessness is a big issue here in Hawaii and for Waianae high school, it’s an issue that hits close to home.  During the past few months many homeless people have moved into an enclosed brush area beside the school and the number has continued to grow.  

Parents and staff are concerned of the students' safety because, “A lot of homeless are associated with drug abuse, mental health problems and that’s just not a place for high schoolers to be around,” said counselor Shane Nakamura.  

This situation has not only raised concerns with parents and staff, but the entire community as well.

 “I’ve known that the school and the community have gotten together with them quite recently I think it was last year.” said Waianae High school teacher Bradley Hatfield. 

Staff and members of the community felt it was “Important to share our concerns from the standpoint of the school and the community with the people that are living there” Hatfield said.

The number of homeless people has increased by 61 percent since 2000 according to tohawaii.com.  State government has been working for years to resolve the growth of this number.

“To me one solution, and I know it would be difficult to force people over there would be to have them go to the homeless shelter,” said Hatfield.

 Although some expect that money would be the solution others believe that homelessness can be solved by “Getting those people the help they need. Lots of them like I said they’re hooked on drugs or they have mental health issues that’s why they cannot hold down regular jobs,” Nakamura said.  

However, until it can be resolved, the homelessness problem will continue to hit close to home for the students and faculty of Waianae High School.

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