Halloween Joy at Next Step Shelter

I spent the early evening hours of this past Saturday (October 28) at the State's Next Step Homeless Shelter in Kakaako. HawaiiReporter.com with help from Small Business Hawaii threw a Halloween Birthday Party for the children whose families reside at the recently created facility.

It was great to see the children enjoy the activities that were provided by the volunteers of HawaiiReporter & SBH as well as a Girl Scout troop who were there at the same time. After looking at the many photos I shot that night, you can see it in their eyes, that the children are happy to have an activity provided for them despite the economic situation that they are in. It makes anyone feel good to see little children just be children and enjoy the moment of the occasion.

Among the activities held that night included face painting, pumpkin painting, crafts (put on by the Girl Scouts), costume design (masks and some costume clothing were provided) and an air jumper set up outside. The kids loved em all including the jumper and of course the always popular eating! Big Mike and his wife Julia Allen from MacMouse.com provided free popcorn. The kids enjoyed a birthday cake and various snack foods that were distributed in little goodie bags.



Homelessness is a huge and always growing problem in Hawaii. Some of the factors contributing to Hawaii's homeless problem include lack of affordable housing (rentals and home ownership), the high cost of living and high taxes, and probably for some, drug abuse and other personal problems.

The Next Step Shelter is the current home for several families trying to make ends meet. The place seems to be nicely set up and is probably filled to capacity. Fortunately there are other homeless shelters set up to help other families and single people. The State just opened a new facility at the former Barber's Point Naval Station in Kalaeloa on Leeward Oahu. Some homeless people choose to stay on the street while many others cannot help themselves due to drug abuse and mental disabilities.

Hawaii's social service organizations are always spread thin providing many services for the homeless community. Many people in Hawaii are about a paycheck away from falling into the ranks of the homeless.