Hawaii’s most comprehensive human services agency focused exclusively on ending or preventing homelessness
IHS, The Institute for Human Services is 501c3 private non-profit organization. Each houseless person’s unique story inspires us to action. By working with partners in government, business and community organizations, we deliver a spectrum of services with urgency, embrace innovation, and advocate for system changes through community education and outreach.
In July 2023, IHS celebrated its 45th anniversary, a milestone made possible only by the support of our community. Learn more about the direction in which IHS aims to grow in our strategic goals.
Mission:
To create and offer tailored solutions for those in crisis, and nurture homeless people toward greater self-direction and responsibility.
Vision:
A community where homeless people are empowered with hope, dignity and confidence to quickly access and sustain a safe, decent and affordable home.
OUR TEAM
Meet the board of directors and IHS team who provides leadership and expertise in addressing ending homelessness in Hawaii.
OUR HISTORY
Growing from a Peanut Butter Ministry into a multi-service center, IHS has expanded over 45 years
to help serve their community.
MEAL PROGRAM
Meals are an entry point for clients to experience IHS, develop relationships with our team and consider accepting help and housing. IHS shelters provide three meals a day. Over the past 10 years, we have served nearly 3 million meals! With a growing demand for homeless services, the number of meals increases each year.
Want to volunteer and help serve or prepare meals? Find out more here.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
IHS Hele2Work program offers comprehensive employment services, including job search and placement, resume-building workshops, budgeting courses, ESL programs, dressing for success, and job skills development via New Leaf: Pre-vocational Training Program or Taking Root: Urban Agriculture.
EMERGENCY & SPECIALIZED SHELTER CLIENTS
Hawaii’s shelter system provides safety and short-term stabilization, serving as a stepping stone toward permanent housing. As homelessness and the community’s needs continue to evolve, our shelter system must adapt. Over the past 10 years, IHS shelters have provided safety and short-term stabilization for over 16,000 people.
HOUSING STABILIZATION (PLACEMENT & PREVENTION)
Housing Assistance helps those in crisis to transition out of homelessness. By offering housing assistance tailored to the individual, including those at-risk, recently homeless, chronically homeless, physically vulnerable, and more – we are capable of serving the community at large and may continue to move thousands out of homelessness every year. In the past 10 years, over 18,000 people have been provided subsidized and unsubsidized housing.
HOMELESS OUTREACH CLIENTS
Our Outreach program provides assertive outreach and needs assessment to unsheltered homeless adults and families, facilitating services including psychiatric evaluation, substance abuse treatment, and transition into emergency shelter and stable housing. Our outreach teams conduct regular rounds in parks and on the streets of Metro Honolulu, Waikiki/East Honolulu, and Windward Oahu.
