Excellence in Practice

Imagine a Hawaiʻi County where every resident has a safe, stable home and the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

Neighborhood Place of Puna, in collaboration with the Community Alliance Partners and the County of Hawaii, invites you to the 2025 Excellence in Practice training series — a yearlong opportunity to learn, connect, and act toward ending homelessness in our community.  

What is the Excellence in Practice Series?
This dynamic series of virtual and in-person sessions, led by Iain De Jong, OrgCode President and CEO, is designed for anyone passionate about making a difference — community members, local organizations, and housing advocates alike. Whether you’re an experienced service provider or someone who simply wants to help, these trainings will give you the tools to create meaningful change.

Learn the Housing First Model
At the heart of these sessions is the Housing First Model — a proven, compassionate approach that prioritizes stable housing as the first step toward long-term success. By combining low-barrier access to housing with essential supportive services, we can break the cycle of homelessness and build stronger, healthier communities. The Housing First Model is an evidence-based, highly effective, low barrier approach to addressing homelessness by prioritizing stable housing with appropriate supportive services that maximize housing success.

Why Should You Attend?

• Gain practical skills to contribute to solutions that work.
• Collaborate with others who share your commitment to ending homelessness.
• Be part of a movement that’s transforming lives in Hawaiʻi County, creating a future where everyone has a place to call home.

Ready to Make an Impact?
Sign up for the 2025 Excellence in Practice series using the links below, and view the full schedule on Google Calendar below. 

About Iain De Jong 

Iain De Jong has worked for non-profits, government and the private sector on homelessness issues for more than two decades. He is recognized as an industry leader for his work on the SPDAT assessment tools, reorganizing shelters and street outreach programs to become housing-focused, and his leadership development and coaching with industry professionals. He has been a direct service provider, funder, policy maker, university professor, researcher, coach and advisor. For almost a decade, Iain has been leading the team of merry misfits at OrgCode Consulting, Inc. Iain’s blog on homelessness is read by thousands, and he is a frequent keynote presenter and conference contributor. His work as a consultant, coach, trainer and positive disrupter takes him throughout the developed world about 280 days a year, though he calls Oakville, Ontario, Canada home on weekends where he lives with his incredible wife and four amazing children.