Here are some key programs by the state and city to help the homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless:

Shelter stipends: This state program funds emergency and transitional shelters for the homeless statewide. In fiscal year 2005, 5,804 people were helped. Cost: about $4 million annually.

Outreach services: This state program provides assistance to people living in parks, beaches or other public places. Food, clothing, counseling and referral services are offered. In fiscal year 2005, 9,202 people were helped.

Rental subsidies: The city and state operate this federally funded Section 8 voucher program to help eligible residents pay rent to private landlords. Vouchers vary in value but are geared toward keeping out-of-pocket rents at no more than 30 percent of a household's income. The assistance this year totals more than $50 million and will help more than 6,000 families. But demand is so great and the backlog of applicants so deep that the city and state currently are not taking new applications. The state gives preference to people involuntarily displaced from their homes, already homeless or victims of domestic violence. The city, for a limited number of vouchers, gives preference to people who are homeless or disabled and already receiving government-funded shelter or rental assistance.

More rent help: One state program provides rental supplements — up to $160 per month — to people at risk of becoming homeless. Gov. Linda Lingle has been trying to get the maximum amount increased because it has been set at $160 since 1988. About 440 families receive assistance each month. Another state program helps the homeless and Section 8 recipients come up with security deposits and first-month rents when moving into an apartment. About 850 people were helped in fiscal 2005, and that number is expected to triple this year because of increased funding.

Tax credits: The state each year issues $2.4 million in federal tax credits and $1.2 million in state tax credits to private entities that construct low-income rental and for-sale housing. Over the past three years, these tax credits have supported the construction of 1,015 low-income housing units, allowing families, elderly and individuals to obtain permanent shelter.

Leasing: The city currently leases 56 properties to organizations that operate emergency shelters, transitional housing, affordable housing or special-needs housing. Five of these projects, totaling 460 units, are being leased to groups who provide services to people who are or were homeless.

Grants: The city annually awards an average of $7 million in federal funds to organizations providing services, mostly rental assistance and shelter operations, to the homeless.

More outreach: The city provides job readiness training and other help to homeless residents who lack recent work experience or may need training before entering the workforce. It also has partnered with service providers to develop "drop-in" homeless resource centers in Leeward and Windward O'ahu and the North Shore. The centers provide easier access to services.

Source: State, city, federal governments