HONOLULU (KHON2) -- When we see the houseless and unsheltered individuals and families in our neighborhoods and communities, there is rarely a moment to sit down and walaʻau. So, we never know what is truly happening or how folks ended up in these situations.
So, KHON2.com reached out to Partners in Care Oʻahu to meet some of the folks who work with their services and who have experienced houselessness firsthand. This is a two-part story in which sit down to uncover the stories behind the myths.
Efren Berrones is the systems coordinator at Partners in Care. He has a unique perspective shaped by his own experiences with houselessness.
As a dedicated advocate, he also chairs the Oʻahu Youth Action Board, which comprises young individuals who have faced homelessness. Berrones’s story is one of resilience, community support and a commitment to helping others overcome similar challenges.
"I've been working in the homeless services system for about four years now," he began. "I was houseless when I was pretty young. My mom and I were fleeing a domestic violence situation and ended up in a shelter."
Berrones explained that his early life was filled with instability. After moving from a shelter to various housing programs, he and his mother experienced periods of being "unstably housed".
His first experience of stable housing was in college, according to Berrones, where he had a dorm room and didn’t have to worry about eviction.
Berrones credits much of his progress to the support of his local church, which provided essential wraparound services.
"The church paid for rent when my mom couldn't afford it, bought groceries when we needed them and even covered my tuition at a private school," Berrones recalled. "But their support was conditional on living according to their beliefs. When I decided to come out, that support system went away."
Despite these challenges, Berrones emerged stronger, fueled by a desire to help others.
"I realized the importance of wraparound services and support," explained Berrones. "Everyone deserves housing and assistance, regardless of their sexual identity, substance use or mental health status. Everyone deserves to feel safe."
In his role at Partners in Care, Berrones focuses on identifying gaps in the homeless service system, particularly for special populations like those coming out of the justice system, youth and veterans. He has observed a significant rise in the cost of living which is leading to more people on Oʻahu and our neighbor islands to end up on the streets.
"People often don’t realize that homelessness can affect anyone. It could be your neighbor, the person serving your coffee or a student at school," Berrones explained. "Many youths hide their homelessness out of shame. They might take showers at a drop-in center and get dropped off by the bus far from where their parents are staying to avoid revealing their situation."
Berrones emphasized the stigma surrounding homelessness and the need for empathy and respect.
"People with lived experience deserve respect and are still part of our community," he said. "By sharing my story and being visible, I hope to show that it’s possible to move beyond homelessness and that everyone deserves dignity."
Berrones also reflected on the broader societal issues contributing to homelessness, such as political decisions and economic policies. He noted the drastic cuts to housing services (HUD) during the Reagan administration and the varying approaches of recent presidents.
"The last two administrations have been polar opposites. President Biden has released resources like the EHB housing vouchers, which helped house 400 people after COVID. In contrast, President Trump cut many services," Berrones says. "There's a shift happening, especially among younger people, who are more community-focused and believe in supporting everyone in society."
As an advocate, Berrones has testified before the State House of Representatives to support bills affecting homeless youth. He aims to empower young people to advocate for themselves and put a face to these issues.
"Young people experiencing homelessness need to be seen and heard," Berrones explained. "It's easy for people to read about a bill without understanding how it impacts real lives. By advocating, we hope to humanize these issues and inspire change."
Berrones’s dedication to his work stems from a deep desire to help others and create a more compassionate society. His journey from houselessness to advocacy highlights the importance of community support and the need for comprehensive services to assist those in need.
Berrones also reflected on the importance of public awareness and involvement.
"I hope people understand that homelessness can affect anyone and that everyone deserves respect and support," he said. "By sharing our stories and advocating for change, we can make a difference."
Efren Berrones’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of community support. Through his work, he continues to inspire and advocate for those experiencing homelessness and strives to create a more inclusive and compassionate society.
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Together, we can make solve these issues and make these islands a safer place for keiki and their families.