![]() |
Homeless in Hawaii illustration |
(Scroll down for video) If you are homeless in Hawaii the state is offering you a free plane ticket, but only if you promise not to return.
The Department of Human Services of Hawaii will soon launch the interesting program in order to reduce the state's homeless population.
The "Return to Home" program seeks to cut spending on food programs, shelter and other services for the 17,000 homeless people living on the island by buying them a plane ticket.
The three-year pilot program is set to be launched during the current fiscal year and has already allocated $100,000 to fund airline tickets and cruises for the homeless back to the continental U.S.
"The administrative requirements and administrative burdens are costly," department spokesperson Kayla Rosenfeld said Tuesday. "Provisions will include transferring the homeless to the airport and counseling regarding airport security and proper hygiene addition. If state funds are used for the purpose of sending people home, participants must sign agreements to be recorded in databases," she said.
The "Return to Home" program will be offered to the Hawaii homeless population voluntarily. To be eligible, individuals must show proof that they have a support system in the state they are choosing to travel and can only be used once.