Passports are typically used to open borders, but what if one could open the door to vital services instead? That’s the idea behind the Guam Homeless Coalition’s 'Passport to Services' event, designed to connect individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness with the aid they may need, all in one place.  According to the Guam Homeless Coalition’s annual Point-In-Time Count, 1,249 individuals on the island are experiencing homelessness - but behind each number is a name, a face, and a story. 

For Curtis Bowermaster of Agana, that story began three decades ago, after the loss of his mother, a moment that shifted the course of his life.  “I didn’t want to make any of my family members have a burden against me about this or about that—but it’s very hard out here, but hey, it’s challenging in life," he shared.

Today, he is one of hundreds who came together for Passport to Services at the Chamorro Village huts in Agana - an annual event that offers immediate support to those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. He added, “I don’t call them the homeless people—I call them the homeless family. As you can see right now, this is family right now.”

From connections to social and housing services, to health screenings and a hot meal, the event serves as a safe space where needs are met with dignity and care. Rob San Agustin with the Division of Homelessness and Poverty Prevention and also the vice-chair for the Guam Homeless Coalition told KUAM News, “We are also here with the other bureaus here and the divisions–we have children’s wellness, we have BOSSA, non-communicable diseases here, and they’re showing off their mobile clinic. As a part of public health now, and the lead division of homelessness for the government, we’re just here to make sure that everyone is connected to services, and then also as a government agency, we’re connecting with the non-profits to provide services for the unhoused.”

“From a human aspect, they’re just regular people who have different circumstances from what we encounter every day. The lifestyle might be different, but the needs are the same: shelter, food, clothing, love, respect, dignity, and compassion.”

It’s a sentiment Bowemaster echoes - grateful for the support he’s found through government agencies and organizations, and the people who show up year after year.  “We are the people of Guam still—no matter if you’re homeless, or you have a house, or you’re rich," he said. “So, everybody–whether you’re homeless or not homeless, we’re all struggling out here in Guam.”