The city rolled out its latest effort to get the homeless off the streets. It’s part of the Mayor’s outreach strategy to address the problem.
It looks and drives like a city bus, but it’s no ordinary bus.
The Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement, or C.O.R.E. bus, is the latest tool to provide on-the-spot help to the homeless, meeting them where they are to get them off the street.
“We plan to use it on as-needed basis, when we’re able to get out and find individuals that are willing and able to accept the services that we’re offering,” said Ian Santee, Honolulu Emergency Services Department Deputy Director.
The retired city bus that EMS has had for over ten years has been fitted with stretchers and equipped with hygiene supplies, used clothing, diapers, even a pet kennel. It can transport up to 29 people: 12 lying down and 17 seated.
The C.O.R.E. bus is intended to respond to larger groups of people who want to stay together, such as encampments and families.
Since its inception in December 2021, Santee said about $3 to five million has been spent on the C.O.R.E. program. What started with six people, C.O.R.E. now has a fleet of six vehicles and some 30 EMT, case managers, nurses and paramedics.
The most recent Point In Time study reveals an 11% increase in homelessness with nearly 4,500 homeless counted on Oahu.
“We’re aggressive, but we’re being humane in our treatment. We understand the needs of these people, the complexity of dealing with that,” said Mayor Blangiardi.
The mayor said when partnering with the state to provide medical treatment and housing for the homeless, it’s estimated that about $40 million might be spent over the year with the goal to get 1,000 people off the street.
“I can tell you the savings and what that will create on the demand on our emergency rooms, our hospitals and other things is significant,” said Blangiardi.
The C.O.R.E. bus is intended to be the first step in getting medical or social services. The city said they plan to open more shelters and transitional housing to help people wherever they are in their needs.
“This year, we plan on bringing 1,000 more beds on line in many types. It’s just one piece to engage people into the system,” said Department of Community Services Director Anton Krucky.
The C.O.R.E. bus will be out on the streets starting this month.