Aloha United Way, founded in 1919, oversees Hawaii's statewide 211 helpline and runs an ALICE fund that tackles financial instability for island families. It has served the community for more than 100 years. Here is what it does, how to get help, and how to give.
Founded in 1919 by Honolulu philanthropist Frank C. Atherton, Aloha United Way raises money and directs it to programs and partners across Hawaii. It oversees the statewide 211 helpline and established an ALICE fund to address financial instability.
Michelle Bartell became chief executive officer in 2025. The organization has helped island families for more than a century.
The fastest way to reach help is 211, a free helpline anyone can call to be connected with a database of more than 4,000 community resources. Aloha United Way oversees it, and in 2023 the statewide line received 58,143 requests for help.
| Program | What it does |
|---|---|
| 211 Hawaii | A free helpline connecting callers to more than 4,000 community resources; 58,143 requests in 2023. |
| ALICE fund | A fund established to tackle the issues that cause financial instability for families. |
| ALICE research | Data on Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed households who work but cannot afford the basics. |
| Community grants | Funding directed to local programs across Hawaii. |
The 211 line connects callers to food, housing, utility help, and many other services across the islands.
Aloha United Way is one of Hawaii's oldest nonprofits, helping people get back on track for over 100 years. Its ALICE fund focuses on households that work but cannot afford the basics, channeling support toward stability.
ALICE, Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, describes families who earn above the poverty line yet still struggle with Hawaii's high cost of living.
You can donate directly, give through a workplace campaign, or designate a gift to a specific cause, including the ALICE fund. Donations support the affiliate's grants and 211.
Volunteers help across the islands' programs. Aloha United Way's EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 99-0073494, and it is listed on nonprofit databases for donors who want to review its finances.
A free statewide helpline with 4,000-plus resources.
A fund tackling financial instability for families.
Data on working households that cannot afford basics.
Funding directed to local programs across Hawaii.
Programs supporting families and essentials.
Payroll campaigns that fund the affiliate's work.
Sources: Aloha United Way (auw.org) about and 211 pages and Hawaii Business Magazine; GuideStar and ProPublica (EIN 99-0073494). Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Aloha United Way and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
More United Way profiles and giving guides