Timeline

January 14, 2023

OLEC had the wonderful privilege of spending some time talking stories with a wonderful group of high school students from all across the state of Hawaii. As the students from PAAC were able to ask questions about homelessness, OLEC members were able to open up and share their stories and the real experiences of homelessness. We were also able to share great insights and wonderful pieces of advice on life in general to these up and coming leaders. Proud of our future generations!

September 1 & 2, 2022

Speaker Panel w/ Hope Services for discussion on Housing Affordability: OLEC was asked to participate in its first speaker panel discussion via Hope Services on the Big Island. OLEC members Kala Paishon and Lindsay Ann Pacheco proudly represented not only the houseless communities they each represent, but also shared what it means to include the voices of folks with lived experiences at discussion tables especially when discussions are about creating more affordable housing and finding more solutions towards ending houselessness.

September 16, 2022

OLEC members were asked to share some of their personal experiences in receiving health care while being houseless with first year medical students at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. Dr. Omori and her students were a warm and welcoming audience as both Lindsay Pacheco and Kala Paishon shared their own personal experiences and some great advice with the group as they begin their journeys in the medical field.

October 14, 2022

OLEC had the wonderful opportunity to hold its very first candidate forum with Lt. Gov. Josh Green who is currently running for office as the next Governor for the state of Hawaii. During this informal “talk story” session, both OLEC members and supporters were able to discuss what plans Lt. Gov. Green has in mind as far as addressing houselessness here in Hawaii should he win the general election in November. Ultimately it became not only an opportunity for future collaboration with our future Governor, but it also became a night for us all to remember, a night of HOPE!

November 18, 2022

Partners In Care (PIC) held their annual 2022 Statewide Homelessness Awareness Conference. OLEC was not only the Keynote presentation at this conference, but they also had 2 breakout speaking sessions as well. OLEC proudly represented our houseless communities as each speaker shared their experiences, strengths, hopes, and many different ideas on how to make the current “systems'' better ones in order to help serve our houseless populations more effectively. This was the first time that all of our council members had spoken in front of such a large audience and even received a standing ovation as well. This conference was a proud moment for OLEC!