About the Community Outreach Response and Engagement (CORE) Program
CORE's Mission Statement
Through close collaboration and coordination, with an array of City programs and community partners, CORE provides services to O'ahu’s unsheltered population. CORE responds to crisis calls, from within the community, that are non-violent and do not require emergent medical assistance.
The response team includes emergency medical technicians and community health workers trained in relationship building, extending compassion, problem-solving, and crisis prevention intervention. CORE is committed to supporting a diversified response system, that is adaptable to the needs of the participant, the community, and the resources of the responders. Once the identified crisis is addressed, CORE will deploy a participant-centered follow-up routine that includes continual assessment of their needs and linkage to community resources when necessary.
CORE changed its name to Community Outreach Response and Engagement in July 2026. "Community" best reflects the broader range of services CORE provide's for our island's residents and visitors.
CORE's Values
- To engage and improve the quality of life for all people through compassion, empathy, and professionalism
- Effectively and respectfully work with internal and external partners to foster continuum of care for consumers
- To enhance the quality of services provided by receiving regular training in evidence-based practices such as trauma-informed care and crisis prevention intervention
- To utilize a person-centered and culturally responsive approach, focused on the consumer’s strengths and resources
Media Coverage
Crisis Teams Use New Law To Get Mentally Ill Homeless Into Treatment On Oahu
Pilot program allows involuntary transport to mental health facilities with law enforcement backup.
CORE Rolls On After One Year Of Service
KITV looks at the program one year after the program's initiation.
CORE Values
At the heart of Honolulu Emergency Services Department’s newest program is a hardworking team looking out for and taking care of the city’s houseless population, with director Dr. James Ireland leading the way.
Honolulu’s CORE Program Begins Outreach in Waikīkī, Where Unsheltered Homelessness is on the Rise
The Crisis Outreach Response and Engagement program sends emergency medical technicians and community health workers to respond to community concerns and nonviolent, homeless-related 911 calls, and conducts outreach aimed at getting unsheltered homeless people housed.
City’s New Crisis Outreach Team Aims to Take Strain Off Hospitals, First Responders
It’s been a longtime concern: Homeless people calling 911 for problems that aren’t emergencies. Officials say up to 25% of 911 calls in Downtown Honolulu are from individuals living on the street and in need of food or minor medical care.
Contact Us
If you have concerns regarding the well-being of homeless individuals, requests can be submitted through the HNL 311 app on a mobile device or online at HNL311.com or by calling (808) 768-2673. All requests submitted to CORE are for non-emergencies only. All requests submitted to CORE are for non-emergencies only. Calls will be returned as soon as possible during operating hours.