Referral and helpline services for basic needs, crisis, and disaster response for the the state of hawaii. - the AUW 211 statewide helpline, a comprehensive information and referral system that has…

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded Aloha United Way, Inc. $800,000 on August 31, 2026, under the Social Services Research and Demonstration program (CFDA 93.647) to operate and expand the AUW 211 statewide helpline across Hawaii.

The 211 helpline provides information and referral services connecting residents to over 4,400 programs and services addressing housing, healthcare, food security, utilities, and disaster assistance. The award funds expansion of 211 specialists to Maui United Way, Hawaii Island United Way, and Kauai United Way to enhance service capacity statewide. The project targets 95 percent call answer rate within service hours and a 20 percent increase in digital inquiries. Aloha United Way will strengthen emergency response readiness by doubling staffing and training capacity, implementing real-time data tracking, and maintaining an updated resource database. The award also supports formalization of emergency response partnerships and monthly coordination meetings with government agencies and nonprofit partners.

Performance of performance encompasses Hawaii. The period of performance runs from August 31, 2026, through August 30, 2027.

Referral and helpline services for basic needs, crisis, and disaster response for the the state of hawaii. - the AUW 211 statewide helpline, a comprehensive information and referral system that has operated for more than 30 years, connecting residents to over 4,400 programs and services addressing essential needs such as housing, healthcare, food security, utilities, and disaster assistance. The expansion of AUW 211 onto neighbor islands will significantly enhance its capacity and impact statewide. By embedding 211 specialists within maui united way, hawaii island united way, and kauai united way, the project will ensure expanded reach across all counties. Increased capacity will improve access to essential services by ensuring 95 percent of calls are answered within service hours and achieving a 20 percent increase in digital inquiries. The expansion will also strengthen emergency response readiness through doubled staffing and training capacity, the use of real-time data tracking, and maintenance of an up-to-date resource database. In addition, the project will foster stronger coordination with government agencies and nonprofit partners by formalizing emergency response partnerships and convening monthly coordination meetings. This funding will enable rapid, effective response during disasters while improving access to support during ongoing hardships. The project will also generate new jobs in every county across hawaii, contributing to local economic stability while strengthening the state's overall resilience and ability to meet community needs.