HUD Secretary to Schatz: Hawai‘i Will Get 'Fair Share' of Federal Resources to Address Homelessness

WASHINGTON – During an appropriations hearing today, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called on the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Julian Castro, to recognize the need for resources to support homeless families in Hawai‘i and address the housing shortage.  In response, Secretary Castro pledged that Hawai‘i would receive its “fair share” of federal resources and reiterated his commitment to addressing homelessness in Hawai‘i.

Under questioning from Senator Schatz, Secretary Castro pledged his support for Hawai‘i and stated, “Your question relates to essentially making sure that communities like those in Hawai‘i get their fair share of resources.  I want to assure you that as we allocate these vouchers that we do so in a way that ensures that it’s not just the biggest of cities or the usual suspects, so to speak, that get these resources. They’re allocated, in fact, based on relative need.”

“We are ‘all hands on deck’ in addressing homelessness in Hawai‘i, so Secretary Castro's commitment is very valuable,” said Senator Schatz.  “I will continue to work with everyone in Hawai‘i to find resources and implement solutions.  The key is will and total cooperation.”