The 2025 Annual Report from Aloha United Way reveals critical insights about the needs of Hawaii residents, based on calls made to the 211 Statewide Helpline.
In the past year, the helpline received over 99,000 contacts, the highest since the COVID pandemic. This surge highlights the growing challenges many are facing. Among these, housing emerged as the top concern, making up 39% of all requests, followed by food assistance at 18%.
Michelle Bartell, the president of Aloha United Way, emphasized the emotional weight many callers carry. “When someone calls 211, they might be anxious about rent, food, or other bills,” she said. The helpline offers a lifeline—trained specialists listen without judgment and guide callers toward support.
Governor Josh Green pointed out that many families in Hawaii struggle daily to cover basic needs. The recent federal government shutdown increased demand for support, leading to a 70% rise in calls between October and December 2025. People were lost, looking for information and direction during these uncertain times.
The report also breaks down data by county, helping to pinpoint service gaps. Tina Andrade, president of Catholic Charities Hawaii, stressed the importance of this connection: “When families reach out for help with rent or food, 211 helps them find the right resources swiftly.”
Key findings from the report include:
- 99,576 contacts — calls, texts, and online requests — were handled, marking a significant increase over previous years.
- Specialists managed over 51,000 live inquiries and made about 39,000 referrals to organizations and agencies.
- There were nearly 31,000 cases requiring personalized, in-depth help.
- The 55-plus age group accounted for 35% of calls, revealing a pressing need for support among older adults.
This increase in demand mirrors trends seen in surveys where more than 60% of respondents reported facing financial difficulties, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center. Many are struggling with rising costs and uncertainty about public assistance programs like SNAP.
The Aloha United Way’s 211 helpline, established in 1990, remains a vital resource for residents seeking guidance on health and human services. As communities rally together to provide support, the need for ongoing investment in these services becomes clear.
For more details, visit the Aloha United Way’s 211 Statewide Helpline.
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Spectrum News Staff, Hawaii, Community News, APP Top Stories, APP Community, Top Stories
