Letter To The Editor: The Easy Battles And The Hard War Against Homelessness

BY ROB SAN AGUSTIN
Director of DHAPP

In many jurisdictions, the “easy” response to homelessness has been to criminalize it. The hard task is creating a unified response and stronger network to address its circumstances–mental health struggles, substance dependency, domestic violence, or financial hardships—often requiring individual, tailored solutions. We remain committed to addressing homelessness with compassion and understanding and investing in long-term solutions. Building the capacities of our agencies and people is the key to winning the war against poverty and homelessness.

The Office of Homelessness and Poverty Prevention (OHAPP)
OHAPP was created in 2021 as the lead government agency for homelessness response. When I came to the office in July 2022, I saw an opportunity to support the Guam Homeless Coalition (GHC) with government partnerships and more outreach with the village mayors. What we did was create a five-year action framework with the Guam Homeless Coalition to recalibrate the response for all stakeholders. This includes working with the Department of Revenue & Taxation for Guam IDs for homeless individuals, the Guam Regional Transit Authority for homeless transport assistance, and the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) to shelter the unhoused during Typhoon Mawar and heavy weather.

OHAPP also took over a domestic violence housing grant and will commence a similar program soon. We also now operate The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), which increases food security for eligible households so they can use their hard-earned money on other household needs. And through Executive Order 2025-01, OHAPP is now under the Department of Public Health and Social Services. This move is designed to empower the office with greater coordination between public health divisions. Now known as the Division of Homelessness Assistance and Poverty Prevention (DHAPP), we will continue to provide services and prepare for the expansion of housing and shelter facilities planned by the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration.

Increasing Inventory for Shelter and Services
This administration’s focused efforts have increased the government’s permanent inventory of property to be used for shelters and programs. By securing its own spaces, we eliminate the competition for finding affordable units in the open market that delays housing possibilities. These properties will serve as transitional, emergency, and permanent-supportive housing options and ensure access to feeding and services for other vulnerable populations, including:

● Anigua Apartments: 17 Two BR units. Transitional housing for women and children (Capacity to support up to 102 people total)
● Kamalen Karidat: Daily feeding program for homeless individuals (Serving 60-75 persons daily)
● The Chancery: Programming and services for vulnerable populations
● Additional Apartment Buildings in Tamuning and Yigo: Expanding available housing options for low-income households (Up to 60 rooms)

Bed at Night/Drop-In Center
From client interactions and outreach, individuals mostly wish for a roof over their heads before focusing on addressing their barriers. Our Bed at Night initiative is one of our most crucial efforts, targeting completion in early 2026. As many as 40 street homeless individuals can have safe refuge nightly, which will decrease overnight loitering at storefronts and public spaces. During the day, DHAPP will operate a drop-in center to provide connection to services, hygiene facilities, storage, counseling/instruction/training, and case management. We can stay constantly engaged with individuals needing help and guidance.

Upskilling the Underemployed To truly break the cycle of poverty, we must provide opportunities for basic job skills and economic mobility. That is why we are partnering with Guam Community College and private companies to upskill our underemployed and unemployed residents through specialized boot camps. From truck driving to childcare and, most recently, our Environmental Technician Bootcamp, we are working to support our people by giving them the tools they need to secure in-demand jobs. By investing in skill-building programs, we are not just offering jobs but creating pathways to provide long-term security and self-sufficiency.

Women’s Treatment Center
We are taking meaningful steps beyond banning the needy from our streets. This Friday, the Leon Guerrero-Tenorio Administration will open a Women’s Treatment Center in Tiyan, a long-awaited asset supporting our efforts to combat homelessness. The center will provide essential treatment and rehabilitation services, ensuring that women facing homelessness, substance dependency, or trauma have a dedicated space to heal and regain stability.

Homelessness response demands a coordinated, compassionate, and multi-faceted approach that acknowledges the dignity of every person in need. I am thankful for the Administration’s continual assessments and empowering our agencies to coordinate services to address gaps and the public’s concerns. By showing this commitment, our mayors, the Guam Homeless Coalition, nonprofit groups, and other stakeholders will be encouraged to continue partnering with us. Every partner strengthens our unity against homelessness. The work ahead remains daunting, but we are resolute in our commitment to doing what is right—not what is easy.