3RD ANNUALFAITH SUMMIT ON
HOMELESSNESSEMPOWERING MINISTRIES TO
INSPIRE IMPACTFUL CHANGE
Saturday , May 4 , 20198 :00 am - 4 :00 pm
Aloha Tower Marketplace
C O N N I E M I T C H E L L
M S , A P R N , B C
E X E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R
This year’s 3rd Annual Faith Summit on Homelessness, themed, “Empowering
Ministries to Inspire Impactful Change” takes a fresh look at how we see our
brothers and sisters living with homelessness. Are they a problem to be solved or
are they valued members of our community with gifts and talents like anyone else?
As a person of faith and also as someone who leads a large homeless service
organization - I have had the privilege of being inspired by the stories, talents, gifts
and accomplishments of our guests and clients - those who also happen to be in
crisis and experiencing the heartbreak and despair of homelessness when they
are with us. Whether it's being able to reunite with family and heal relationships, or
finding a job and getting promoted, or finally getting clean and sober after years of
addiction, these accomplishments give me a glimpse of the immense resilience
God has instilled in us as human beings.
But the miracles we see in this work, that are often touched by pain and darkness,
are only possible if we believe those miracles are possible. Your presence with us
today reminds me that there are a host of angels in our community that believe.
The challenge for all of us is to see the strengths and possibilities in people when,
at first glance, we see a jumble of anxiety, mean looks, symptoms of mental illness,
a demanding demeanor or an inability to follow through on simple tasks. When we
choose to see with fresh eyes we help people in despair to see themselves
differently, and unleash the Power to recover, remember who they once were and
envision who they are yet to become.
Many of the staff at IHS are also believers of God’s grace and power to heal. We
are called to focus on some very specific outcomes when we are delivering
services to people we serve. But we know that the most impactful transformations
occur as a result of “connection” in relationship. Helping is executing an
intervention, healing is about restoring someone to wholeness. And while we
strive for the latter, time does not always allow the type of depth of connection
required for healing for everyone we assist.
People of faith often offer charity with good intention. We organize action to
distribute food and goods to people we see in need. But, we can also offer ears to
listen, curiosity to explore, prayers to heal, wisdom to guide and hearts to love.
These gifts are invaluable to a person journeying out of homelessness. My prayer
for you this day is that you will be moved to reflect, and choose wisely, how you
might empower people you encounter who need your attention and care.
Aloha ke Akua,
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 1
Message from the Executive Director
The time has come for members of the faith-based community, government, non-profit
organizations and service providers to once again gather for the 3rd annual Faith Summit on
Homelessness, a networking event where all of us can share, learn and collaborate on our
collective goal of ending homelessness in the City and County of Honolulu and throughout the
State of Hawai’i.
There is no question that permanent supportive housing such as Housing First is the only
true solution to homelessness, but I’m also glad that this year’s Faith Summit is exploring how
people who are down on their luck can empower themselves through the caring guidance of
our religious institutions.
True compassion is not allowing people to remain in areas that are unfit for human
habitation and where their life spans are cut precipitously short. In fact, at the end of last year a
memorial service was held at Central Union Church to honor the 68 homeless people who died
on O’ahu, many of them while living on city streets.
There is no doubt that much of our work still lies before us. However, with a group of
such dedicated individuals such as yourselves, I have little doubt that we will continue to make
progress toward our goal of ending homelessness in these islands.
KIRK CALDWELL
Mayor, City and County of Honolulu
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 2
D A V I D Y . I G E
G O V E R N O R
S T A T E O F H A W A I I
K I R K C A L D W E L L
M A Y O R
C I T Y A N D C O U N T Y O F
H O N O L U L U
Respect, kindness and compassion is the way of aloha. Our islands' strong and diverse faith-
based communities have continually shown true aloha for others in need, treating them as
family. On behalf of the people of Hawai'i, I welcome all participants to the 3rd Annual Faith
Summit on Homelessness.
Hawai'i's faith-based communities are committed to working together as partners to address
homelessness, find solutions and transform lives. Homelessness is a complicated problem and
can only be resolved through cooperation at every level of government and in every segment
of the community at large.
The challenge goes beyond building more affordable homes. We must look at the recovery
process for each person, including the chronically homeless. Your role will continue to be vital
as the State simultaneously presses on the three levers of change: affordable housing; health
and human services; and pubic safety. Together we can address homelessness in a
compassionate way.
With warmest regards,
DAVID Y. IGE
Governor, State of Hawai'i
Since IHS ’ very beginning- more than 40 years ago ,
Church of the Crossroads has been a leader in
advocating for social justice amongst those who are
homeless and in crisis . Recognizing homelessness has
become such a critical issue within our community ,
they ’ve continued to evolve their ministries in ways that
work toward empowering people out of homelessness .
Congregations offer a warm and welcoming
environment where members worship amongst
homeless persons with mental illnesses , who are in dire
need of medical services , or even those who work in
the homelessness and social services profession . By
listening and connecting with homeless persons ,
Church of the Crossroads has partnered with homeless
outreach teams across Oahu to ensure people receive
the care and services they need .
Church of the Crossroads was also one of the groups
that helped inspire this annual Faith Summit on
Homelessness . Through inquiries on how they and
others throughout our community can better minister to
chronically homeless people and support homeless
service providers with navigating people into housing
and treatment- this Faith Summit became an empetis for
trainings and workshops .
F R . C L A U D E D U T E I L P E A N U T
B U T T E R M I N I S T R Y A W A R D
Church of the Crossroads
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 3
St . Ann ’s Church in Kaneohe demonstrates the power of
collaboration between homeless service providers and
congregations , and how partnerships can be of service
to their community . Their call to be Christians and "salt"
of the Earth (both healing and enriching) have resulted
in large-scale initiatives , such as the development of
the monthly Kaneohe Homeless Service Fair in
collaboration with homeless service providers , Hope
Chapel , Parker United Methodist Church and many
other community civic groups . Their collaborative
approach ensures talented and compassionate
members of our community who deliver homeless
services have a place within Kaneohe to come together
to serve and help their homeless community .
Member ’s of St . Ann ’s Church in Kaneohe have also
spearheaded many other homeless community efforts .
They have rallied Catholic churches across Oahu to
sustain meal service missions at various homeless
shelters , including IHS . They continue to work with the
Kaneohe Neighborhood Board to advocate for homeless
solutions , and to educate their community about
existing work being done , helping to inspire others to
participate in these efforts to address homelessness in
Kaneohe .
F R . C L A U D E D U T E I L P E A N U T
B U T T E R M I N I S T R Y A W A R D
St. Ann's Church
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 4
FAITH SUMMIT ON HOMELESSNESS 2019PLENARY PRESENTERS
CAROLINA JESUS
Shelter of Wisdom
In 2003, when Carolina found out Jesus is real, and he’s God, she followedhis instructions to share her home with vulnerable women from the street.She followed Jesus around as he rescued many "worst case scenarios". Jesus impressed upon her not to see "schizophrenics, addicts, homeless",but to pray and "do whatever it takes" to help them! As her home filled withwomen and children, she formed a public charity, Shelter of Wisdom, andbegan to rent more homes. Presently, Shelter of Wisdom rents 7 homes,providing emergency shelter to 61 men eligible for permanent housing.Shelter of Wisdom succeeds with no government funding or employees! Shelter fees cover the operating expenses of the ministry. Donations coverlosses from men who have no income, or fail to pay their fees. Your churchcan duplicate this model; please ask Carolina at (808) 383-9498.
ANNA SMITH PRUITT, PHD
Community & Cultural Psychology at the University of Hawaii
Anna Smith Pruitt, PhD is a community psychologist in Community andCultural Psychology at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Herresearch attempts to quantify and explain the ways in which individualand contextual factors interact to impact community and individualhealth and quality of life. She has been researching housing andhomelessness in Honolulu since 2014 and is particularly invested inworking to integrate individuals experiencing homelessness into thelarger community.
JOSIAH VEMLI KORIA
Tyrell's Angels
Josiah Koria is the C.E.O. of Tyrell's Angels, a nonprofit organization forhouseless youth. After losing his nephew Tyrell in a tragic car accident,Josiah struggled; with not only religion, but also depression, alcoholism, drugabuse and suicidal thoughts. In the process of grief and healing he foundGod years later. He started to volunteer in honor of his nephew, eventuallystarting his own nonprofit to keep his spirit alive. Josiah is now a hugeadvocate for houseless families. Working directly with O'ahu's largesthouseless encampment, Pu'uhonua O Wai'anae, he was able to gaincommunity support to prevent a sweep. He not only helps the youth, but hascreated a business called Pu'uhonua Trade Masters LLC to employ andmentor houseless adults. Through his service he promotes love andeducation as the key to end our islands vicious homeless crisis.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 5
FAITH SUMMIT ON HOMELESSNESS 2019 PLENARY SESSIONS
PLENARY PANEL: DISCERNING GIFTS FORHOMELESS MINISTRY THAT WORK
Josiah Vemli Koria, Tyrell's Angels
Carolina Jesus, Shelter of Wisdom
Dr. Anna Pruitt, University of Hawaii Social Psychology Research Department
Moderated by Chaplain Irene Willis Hassan, The Institute for Human Services
VISIT THE IHS PHOTOVOICE EXHIBIT, SERVICEPROVIDERS, VENDORS AND LOGOS BOOKSTOREIN MULTIPURPOSE ROOM 3
Three perspectives on ministering to homeless persons matched to the gifts of
unique ministry programs that empower people. Discussion will key in on the role
of the faith community members and the types of collaborations that work to
effectively meet needs and unleash both the gifts of congregation and
competencies of homeless people being served. We will hear what the data says
about homeless people’s engagement with faith-based supports.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 6
EVENT PROGRAM May 4, 2019 - Morning
8:00 am Registration, Guest Check-in & Continental Breakfast | Multi Purpose Room 3
8:30 am
8:55 am
9:55 am
Invocation & Welcome | Multi Purpose Room 3
Plenary Panel | Multi Purpose Room 3
Break
Workshop Sessions 1
Family Promise: An Avenue Toward Meaningful Connection Samantha Church | Multi-Purpose Room 2 Toxic Charity/When Helping Hurts: Focusing Charity on Better Results Ellen Godby Carson, Esq | Welcome Center Meeting Room Getting Up Close and Personal: Supporting a Homeless Ohana Zone Rev. David Gierlach | Multi Purpose Room 3 Biblical Best Practices for CaringRev. Brandon Duran | Multi Purpose Room 1
Workshop Sessions 2
Lunch | Multi Purpose Room 3
10:05 am
11:05 am
12:00 pm
8:40 am Opening Meditation "Sowing Seeds of Beauty & Goodness" | Multi Purpose Room 3
Discerning Gifts for Homeless Ministry that WorksPanelists: Carolina Jesus, Josiah Koria, Anna Pruitt, PhD
Family Promise: An Avenue Toward Meaningful Connection Samantha Church | Multi-Purpose Room 2 Toxic Charity/When Helping Hurts: Focusing Charity on Better Results Ellen Godby Carson, Esq | Welcome Center Meeting Room Getting Up Close and Personal: Supporting a Homeless Ohana Zone Rev. David Gierlach | Multi Purpose Room 3 Biblical Best Practices for CaringRev. Brandon Duran | Multi Purpose Room 1
Peanut Butter Ministry AwardMahalo AwardsResource & Partner Exploration (visit booths)
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 7
EVENT PROGRAMMay 4, 2019 - Afternoon
End of Summit
Workshop Sessions 3
Workshop Sessions 4
1:55 pm
2:55 pm
4:00 pm
Limits of Grace: Balancing Compassion with Call to Responsibility Jerry Coffee, LCSW | Multi-Purpose Room 1 Sacred Power of Work Panelists: Bob Marchant, Colin Kumabe, Misty Mokiau | Multi Purpose Room 3 Radical Hospitality: Partnering for a One-Stop ShopPastor Walt Keale, Castro Masaniai | Multi Purpose Room 2 Engaging the Voice of Homeless Persons in AdvocacyGavin Thornton | Welcome Center Meeting Room
1:30 pm Afternoon Plenary | Multi Purpose Room 3All Things ConnectPastor Walt Keale
Limits of Grace: Balancing Compassion with Call to Responsibility Jerry Coffee, LCSW | Multi-Purpose Room 1 Sacred Power of Work Panelists: Bob Marchant, Colin Kumabe, Misty Mokiau | Multi Purpose Room 3 Radical Hospitality: Partnering for a One-Stop ShopPastor Walt Keale, Castro Masaniai | Multi Purpose Room 2 Engaging the Voice of Homeless Persons in AdvocacyGavin Thornton | Welcome Center Meeting Room
3:50 pm Closing & Benediction | Multi Purpose Room 3
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 8
Workshop DescriptionsSessions 1 and 2
FAMILY PROMISE: A WAY TO CONNECT MEANINGFULLY
Speaker: Samantha Church, Family Promise Hawaii
Come learn about the practical and spiritual impact that hosting Family Promise families has on
congregations and program participants alike. Hosting homeless families at your congregation not only
provides emergency shelter for those in need, it also helps to empower and re-integrate them into the
community. Supported by inspirational stories of past families in the program, this workshop will share
in detail how volunteers can effectively host families experiencing homelessness. Help provide a hand
up rather than a hand out, working to re-build lives using the unique gifts of their congregational
settings.
TOXIC CHARITY/WHEN HELPING HURTS: FOCUSING CHARITY FOR BETTER RESULTS
Speaker: Ellen Godby Carson, Esq
Too many ministry efforts fail to make lasting impact because they often disempower the people they
were meant to help. Facilitator will explore the text of Robert Lupton’s book, “Toxic Charity: When
Helping Hurts” with participants. Walk away with a radically different understanding of how to evaluate
effectiveness of ministries honestly to ensure that intended goals are being achieved.
GETTING UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL: SUPPORTING A HOMELESS OHANA ZONE
Speaker: Rev. David Gierlach, St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church
This workshop will bring into focus the strengths and challenges of homeless persons congregating
across Oahu and how churches can help facilitate healthy, safe, transforming community (koinonia)
within homeless encampments using their church properties or congregational gifts.
BIBLICAL BEST PRACTICES FOR CARING
Speaker: Rev. Brandon Duran, Central Union Church
What does the bible say about charity? What is the purpose according to the Bible? What methods do
Biblical characters employ in reaching out to those on the margins, and why? The purpose of the
workshop is to engage central religious texts and how they illustrate best practices for charity.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 9
Workshop DescriptionsSessions 3 and 4
LIMITS OF GRACE: BALANCING COMPASSION WITH CALL TO RESPONSIBILITY
Speaker: Jerry Coffee, LCSW
Ever feel like you are being asked for more than you are willing to give when helping someone in
need? Understand the dynamics and learn how to maintain boundaries with people who are
experiencing mental illness, substance abuse issues, or other conditions among homeless populations
that can result in manipulation and dependence. You’ll walk away feeling more confident about
giving/helping without being railroaded and less guilty about setting healthy limits.
THE SACRED POWER OF WORK
Panelists: Bob Marchant, Colin Kumabe, Misty Mokuahi-Kaaumoana
Moderator: Connie Mitchell
Want to hire homeless people? Explore how work delivers much more than dollars into a person’s
pocket. Learn how employment inspires hope in persons who are struggling to get back on their feet,
and how hope translates into actions that accelerate healing and recovery. Hear about three
entrepreneurial enterprises that are engaging homeless or formerly homeless persons in vocational
training and the transformations that have resulted.
ENGAGING THE VOICE OF HOMELESS PERSONS IN ADVOCACY
Speaker: Gavin Thornton, Hawaii Appleseed Center for Economic and Social Justice
Learn how to help houseless people speak for themselves and include their genuine and authentic
voices in organized actions with policy makers. Find out what is involved in offering testimony and
convincing legislators and political leaders what would truly help.
RADICAL HOSPITALITY: CHURCHES, COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SERVICE PROVIDERSPARTNER TO OFFER A ONE STOP SHOP
Panelists: Walt Keale, Daybreak Church and Castro Masaniai, IHS
Hear about the impact of a collaborative model for service delivery and how it is refreshing and
transforming lives in Kailua. Community members come together to wrap people from their
neighborhood in tangible love.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 10
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 11
PHOTOVOICEHawai'i's Daily Offerings
Richard Hodge, 67
Housing First Client since Dec. 2015
"It's the beginning of the day... it's the beginning of a lot of things."
In 2014, IHS, The Institute for
Human Services, Inc. and the
City & County of Honolulu
partnered with faith and
community organizations to
implement its inaugural
Housing First program,
instilling hope and dignity
through furnishings, supplies
and spiritual/social
connectedness. By partnering
with the common goal of
moving homeless people into
housing quickly, the community
as a whole can change
people 's lives. The photos and
comments you see here by
Housing First clients convey
how their lives have
experienced profound changes
after being housed. Program
evaluation has also pointed to
the critical importance of
relationships in inspiring and
motivating change. Together,
we can lift spirits with acts of
kindness. Together, we can
end homelessness with an
affordable housing unit. We
can remind homeless people of
the hope and meaning that is
still there when they cannot
see it for themselves. THAT is
the power of hope - the best
gift people of faith have to
offer someone who has none.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 12
NOW: New Life
"[There are] kids around my apartment complex laughing and having fun.It makes me feel great because no kid would come up to me when I was
on the street"
NOW: Community Outreach Melanie frequently reaches out to individuals living in encampmentsin her community to help connect them to services.
NOW: "There is Room in Paradise"
Thomas Lamberton, 58Housing First Client
since Aug. 2015
Melanie Saavedra, 65Housing First Client
since May 2015
John Lau, 69Housing First Client
Since Jan. 2016
Before Housing First, Thomas' bathed in a public bathroom, hoping no one would come in. Housing First
gave him something more than a shower, it gave him privacy.
Melanie felt that people would treat her like trash - like she was garbage. Eventually, through Housing First,
she was able to live in an apartment - it made her feel like a waterfall, or like a plant growing by the water.
From dining in the dirt to sitting on tables and chairs for a meal, Housing First has made a huge impact on
John Lau's quality of life.
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 13
FAITH SUMMIT MAP
REGISTRATION
WORKSHOP SESSIONSWORKSHOP SESSIONS
TO THE 2019 FAITH SUMMIT PLANNING COMMITTEE
Reverend Elizabeth Leavitt | Christ Church Uniting
Pastor Annie Foerester | New Hope Oahu
Reverend David Gierlach | St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church
Reverend Jasmine Bostock | St. Peter's Episcopal Church
Emma Grochowsy & Jason Kasamoto | Governor's Coordinator on Homelessness
MAHALO
TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
The Episcopal Church in Hawaii
Church of the Crossroads
Central Union Church
First Assembly of God
United Healthcare
Christ Church Uniting
Harris United Methodist Church
FAITH SUMMIT 2019 | Page 14
Aloha Tower Marketplace | 155 Ala Moana Blvd | Honolulu, HI 96813
If you or someone you interact with needs help, contact us today.
546 Kaaahi Street
Honolulu, HI 96817-4630
Phone: (808) 447-2800 Fax: (808) 845-7190
"Peace and Serenity"
John Lau, 69Housing First Client Since 2016