As society moves towards globalization, it is essential for practitioners of social services everywhere to identify the unique cultural perspectives that shape both themselves and those with whom they work and serve. For practitioners in Hawai`i, and throughout the Pacific region, it is essential to practice within the context of an environment that has been shaped by the people indigenous to the community. With many years of experience and countless contributions toward the integration of social work and Hawaiian traditional practice, Mrs. Lynette Panglinawan, MSW, aims to disseminate cultural knowledge of health and well-being for social work and allied professions. This presentation will help attendees build a foundation on Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) perspectives including cultural historical trauma and relevant cultural practices towards decolonized professional practice. In particular, this presentation will focus on Kānaka Maoli strategies for intervention.

Join members of our local neighborhood board for an insightful discussion on leveraging neighborhood boards to tackle homelessness in our community. This session will xplore strategies to shift perspectives and counter Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) attitudes, ensuring that those experiencing homelessness are included in community conversations. Learn how to foster a more inclusive and integrated community by engaging all residents in meaningful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Understanding the legislative landscape and process is essential for achieving housing affordability for all Hawai'i residents. This session is intended to demystify the legislative process, providing participants with the tools and insights needed to effectively engage with lawmakers and promote affordable housing solutions. 

Anton will present varied components of The Department of Community Services for the City and County of Honolulu.  He will give an overview of the City’s Homeless Strategy and some of it components and key strategies.  He will also present and discuss the changing landscape of service delivery and the role the Homeless Command Center plays.

This presentation describes the Queen’s Care Coalition (QCC) and our program model of kina’ole (providing the right care, at the right place, at the right time) that increases patients’ sense of mauli ola (whole-self wellness) by focusing on pilina (building strong relationships), using hospital- and community-based patient navigators, social workers and clinical staff. Navigators address social drivers of health and connect patients with existing community resources to reduce hospital utilization, improve access to primary care and behavioral health services. Priority is given to Native Hawaiians and those experiencing homelessness. A case study will be shared highlighting our model of care and the kuleana (responsibility) we hold in serving our patients.

Mrs. Lynette Panglinawan, MSW, will continue to share her knowledge and expertise.  Attendees will utilize this session as an informal questions-and-answers (Q&A) time with the presenter. Attendees can ask questions on how to engage and encourage those experiencing houselessness in our communities, particularly Kānaka Maoli, to gain knowledge that assures they are treated with equity and have access to the many community resources available to maintain an adequate quality of life. Practitioners can continue to learn Kānaka Maoli strategies for intervention and approaches to help build and expand their social services competencies.

During this workshop, participants will:

• Learn about precipitating factors and signs of agitation

• Discuss verbal and nonverbal de-escalation techniques

• Learn how to end the de-escalation process so you can begin a reasonable discussion

• Learn techniques for what to do when de-escalation isn’t possible (i.e., how to ask a person to leave your office or area, while maintaining your own personal safety)

• Engage with fellow participants in practice scenarios

Human trafficking is a pervasive and complex crime that affects millions of individuals worldwide, including right here in Hawai`i. This talk will provide an introduction to human trafficking, including the legal definitions and the different forms of trafficking. Attendees will learn about the signs of human trafficking and what to do if they suspect someone is being trafficked. Attendees will learn some of the vulnerabilities that put individuals at risk of trafficking, including homelessness/houselessness. The talk will provide practical steps for individuals and communities to take action, from supporting local organizations to raising awareness and educating others. Attendees will further learn about the offenses typically sought by the Office of the Attorney General. By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of human trafficking and be empowered with the knowledge to help combat this issue. Together, we can work towards a safer, more just Hawai`i for all.

A few members from the Department of Health Harm Reduction Services Branch (HRSB) discuss services and programs that help to address HIV, adult viral hepatitis, and various STIs that individuals experiencing houseless-ness can access. A panel discussion and Q/A will be followed to discuss barriers, and possible opportunities of collaboration to further address the sexual health among houseless populations.

This session explores how nonprofits can intentionally incorporate individuals with lived experience into their programs and decision-making processes. We'll discuss strategies for not only including these voices but also ensuring they have real equity and power within organizational systems. Learn to shift the balance of power to create more inclusive, effective, and impactful organizations in the face of broken systems.

In the face of daily challenges and high emotional demands, resilience is crucial for homeless service providers. This breakout session will offer practical strategies to build and maintain resilience in both personal and professional contexts. Participants will explore evidence-based techniques to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain long-term effectiveness in their roles. Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees will learn how to strengthen their mental and emotional well-being, create supportive environments, and foster resilience among their teams and clients. Whether you're a frontline worker, case manager, or organizational leader, this session will equip you with the tools to thrive in this demanding yet profoundly impactful field.

Homeless youth and young adults face many legal and systemic barriers in accessing the resources and services they need, but state laws and policies can provide crucial protections for a smoother, quicker, and more secure transition out of homelessness. The State Index on Youth Homelessness is a dynamic resource that measures and scores state laws and policies related to youth homelessness, with a special focus on housing policy – whether youth can access, afford, and maintain the safe and habitable housing they need. This session will explore how Hawaii currently scores on the State Index and will highlight the most promising policy opportunities and challenges in addressing youth and young adult homelessness.