Sand Island Homeless Shelter

Matriculation into the homeless navigation program at the Sand Island homeless shelter was completed on June 30th. A small cell was assigned, one of three per converted shipping container (refer to pictures in Twitter® feed).

Sand Island Homeless Shelter

The first full night was fraught with numerous policy violations committed by various "guests." Only one "guest," apparently drunken and disorderly, was escorted off the facility.

Noise is the focal point of the facility, both internal and external. "Guests" were milling around all night long. The designated cigarette smoking area continually hosted numerous "guests." Outside the facility, the entire composition of Sand Island is heavy industry. Major shipping ports are also stationed there. The Daniel Inouye International Airport is a stone's throw away. So, high-decibel noise is constant. Quality sleep is an issue.

The Sand Island homeless shelter was constructed on an industrial site. No telling what kind of toxic waste exists in the soil of the artificially created island. Air quality, though, is good.

Community Tent

A community tent sits in the middle of the facility. A small LCD tube is available to view a surprising number of premium channels. A "Terra Nova" marathon ensued for two days. Unrestricted wireless Net access is also available in the community tent. The range of the Wi-Fi transceiver actually covered some of the cells.

“Guest” Quarters

The cells for single "guests" are small. A small cot is provided, which takes up half of the space. There is a small window, too small for adequate ventilation. However, a secure mesh screen door enables the cell occupant to leave the door open for increased ventilation.

Four full bathrooms and six small "porta-john" units are separately located. Waking up to "drain the lizard" is a cumbersome process, but workable.

An air-conditioned trailer is provided for the staff. Someone is on duty 24 hours per day in the office. Some staff members are quite friendly and helpful. A small minority appear to be lightly hostile.

The "guests" are an eclectic mix, but there clearly is no question that they have previously been on the streets or motorhomeless. A casual observer may become confused concerning the viability and possibility of placing any of them in permanent housing. Only time will tell.