Augie Tulba & Win Back Waipahu

Augie Tulba (r)

 

My eyes were opened.

 

Homelessness was always something I cared about.  At times, I dealt with individuals directly.  At times, I supported my local shelter.  At times.

 

But in my life, homelessness always felt like "a problem" that was "over there." That was despite the fact that I have faced housing insecurity in my past.

 

When I arrived in Waipahu, my eyes were opened.  Homelessness is an ever-present reality here.  It is not something "over there."

 

Augie Tulba

 

One person making a difference is our local councilmember, Augie Tulba.

 

Augie is from this community, and has become famous in Hawai'i and beyond as a comedian and radio show host.  Even before he got into politics, he has been a mainstay of local culture.

 

A note about City Council: The entire island of O'ahu is managed by the City and County of Honolulu.  So, councilmembers have a very high degree of responsibility, for their representative area as well as the whole island.  

 

Augie has been working to engage the community on issues of homelessness.  He has responded directly to problems, with a very personal investment of time and effort. 

 

Source: Augie Tulba's official Instagram

 

I say "one person," but this is a misnomer.  

 

One of Augie's many talents has been assembling a very talented staff of employees, as well as deep connections with volunteers.  Augie's staff are impressive.

 

Augie's staff, and the goodwill he has inspired, will undoubtedly be one of his greatest legacies when he does end his service.

 

Win Back Waipahu

 

Over the past few years, Augie has invested a lot of time and effort in an initiative called, "Win Back Waipahu."

 

Given my care and concern for the "issue," I signed myself up for a couple "Win Back Waipahu" work days.  My eyes were opened again.  We gathered at street corners near where I work.  There were introductions and conversations.  Then we cleaned and/or walked the streets.

 

It was a remarkably simple act.  With profound consequences.

 

My eyes were opened by the coordination of partnerships, including politicians, medical, law enforcement, and education. 

 

My eyes were opened by the number of youth who were participating.  Those of us trained in developmental psychology know that a multi-generational approach is the only way to solve big societal issues.

 

My eyes were opened by the approach.  "Win Back" did not mean "Take Back."  Rather, the idea was to develop relationships.

 

Relationships with Homeless Individuals.

 

The goals seemed simple.  Let them know people care about them, the neighborhood, and the properties.  Let them know they have resources.  Let them know how to access these resources.  Show a sense of commitment.

 

As part of this effort, "Win Back Waipahu" has focused its efforts on cleaning up the neighborhood, including graffiti and trash.  There is even a local kids initiative, where young artists are encouraged to paint over the traffic boxes at street corners.

 

This seems like a good plan. 

And it seems to be working.

 

Maybe not in terms of stemming the tide of homelessness.  

But it was working in building the culture.

 

When everyone in the community participates in addressing an issue, the issue becomes manageable.  Everyone feels they have a part to play.

 

From the Heart

 

In listening to Augie speak, and brief conversations with him, it is obvious that this approach comes from the heart.  While "Win Back Waipahu" is a good systematic approach, behind it is a real and genuine care for other people.

 

Leadership matters, and Augie's leadership in this town is making a difference.  I'm sure it is in other areas as well, but in "Win Back Waipahu," it is inspiring a lot of future leaders to follow his lead.  

 

As a new resident, Augie and this initiative are drawing me into this path of service.  It is also making me feel at home here.  A community that cares about "the least of these" is one that is worth investing myself in.