Hidden Factors of Homelessness
- Family Promise of Hawai’i
- Oct 26, 2021
- 3 min read
The Office for Victims of Crime (OVC), through the U.S. Department of Justice, provides resources, information, and policy changes to support non-profits such as Family Promise to assist those victimized by crime. As agents in the homeless sector, we are familiar with the different layers that may cause someone to end up houseless. Factors of homelessness may include an individual's home and childhood environment, work and school experiences, lifestyle, and access to resources. Crime, especially violent crime, can be traumatic and have lasting harmful effects that (may) lead to poverty and housing insecurity. The American Psychological Association states that those who experience violence and trauma in childhood are at an increased risk of experiencing houselessness and poverty as adults.
We support victims of crime through connection to housing and supportive services. We were awarded funding from the OVC to expand services to victims of crimes, including but not limited to, human trafficking, domestic violence, family violence, terroristic threat, child abuse/neglect, and sexual assault. The PSA was produced to raise awareness about the overlap between crime victimization and housing instability and the supportive services we offer. If you or someone you know is a family with children experiencing housing instability and have also been a victim of crime, please contact us at (808) 548-7478 ext. 1 and visit Familypromisehawaii.org/support-for-victims-of-crime for more information.
#Flashback Halloween 2020
Meet the Team
An Interview with Garrett Iha, Accounting Manager
The FPH team (staff, volunteers, and board members) is diverse. We value this diversity as one of the strongest factors in our collective success. Drawing upon our range of cultural backgrounds, skills, educational levels, beliefs, and experiences fosters empathy, creativity, and community. In our upcoming newsletters we will be featuring a variety of team members at FPH so you can get to know them a little better.
This month, we get to know Garrett.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I live in Nu'uanu with my wife Susan. We have a son, Preston, who attends Baylor University. I spent over 30 years with Kaiser Permanente in various finance positions.
What brought you to Family Promise?
I was set to retire, but still looking for an opportunity to give back to the community. I had assisted with the Family Promise mission through our Nu'uanu Congregational Church, so I was familiar with the organization. When the Accounting Manager opportunity came up, I jumped at the chance. I'm looking forward to contributing to the Family Promise of Hawaii mission.
Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
I don't have any talents, hidden or otherwise. I do like running and hope to complete the Honolulu Marathon again this year (it will be my 41st Honolulu Marathon).
What’s something you’re proud of?
I'm proud of my service with the Hawaii Army National Guard. I've served for over 40 years, and included a deployment to Iraq, disaster relief for several hurricanes, floods and even a volcano, and most recently, support for the Covid-19 mission.
What’s something you find challenging about your work at Family Promise?
I think the biggest challenge will be helping to guide the organization, through financial reporting, budgeting and forecasting, as it grows and expands. I see a lot of good things for the future of Family Promise of Hawaii and look forward to the challenge of helping to make this happen.
When you are not working, what's your favorite way to relax?
I enjoy watching sports. Fall is my favorite time of year - with football, baseball, hockey and even NASCAR racing. I try to watch and relax, without stressing out trying to decide which one to watch (I always watch Baylor, no matter what else is on)!
