Homeward Bound: Hawaii Program Flies Homeless People To The Mainland 0 The Institute for Human Services’ relocation program has served nearly 600 people experiencing homelessness on Oahu since 2015.
Three months ago, Chris Lee flew to Hawaii as a way to clear his mind after his wife of 20 years left him. But instead of a getaway, the 62-year-old California resident was robbed of his wallet and phone in Waikiki.
He says his pride stood in the way of contacting his son for help, so Lee stayed in his hotel for as long as he could afford it while figuring out how to get home.
But his funds ran out, and Lee became homeless, spending many nights on the beach.
“Imagine walking around just like this,” Lee said in an interview outside St. Augustine Church in Waikiki, pointing to the clothes he wore. “It’s not a good feeling, and you don’t know anyone.”
