Aloha, Homelessness. Aloha!

Homelessness impacts everyone either directly or indirectly, and reactions are typically very negative. Frustration at “mainland-based” solution failures or false-starts is high among Hawaii citizens. A sustainable solution continues to evade our political, business, and government leaders. The “Aloha, Homelessness. Aloha!!” (AHA!) Initiative will utilize a DTH Bootcamp to commence formal activities. Attendees will utilize the design thinking process and gain empathy from government officials, service providers, business leaders, homeless advocates, and the homeless themselves (through video/audio taping or in-person as appropriate). The initiative’s objective is to formally implement successful pilot programs by government and other organizations in the community, and continue to utilize the design thinking process.

Individuals are requested to consider funding to support this effort. Government, business, foundation and philanthropic organizations are being requested to consider block grant funding of $10,000, $25,000 and $50,000 to support attendance at the DTH Bootcamp by government, social service, homeless advocates and homeless individuals as participants, interviewees, and prototype testers. Funds will also support pilot program implementation of ideas generated at the Bootcamp.

Design Thinking Hawaii is a tax exempt organization in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. www.designthinkinghawaii.wordpress.com email: [email protected].