AUW ALICE Cohort

The ALICE Cohort is a collective of nonprofit organizations aimed at advancing financial stability, housing solutions, and workforce opportunities for Hawaiʻi’s ALICE households.

ALICE Cohort Mission

The ALICE Cohorts are a critical component of Aloha United Way’s ALICE® Initiative, designed to address the unique challenges faced by families who are employed yet still struggle to meet basic household needs.

Launched over three years ago, the initiative focuses on advancing financial stability, affordable housing, and access to educational and workforce opportunities for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households in Hawai‘i.

The ALICE Cohorts consist of dedicated nonprofit organizations working collaboratively to implement targeted programs that empower these families and foster long-term economic security. By investing in community-driven solutions, the ALICE Cohorts aim to reduce systemic barriers, promote social equity, and build a more resilient Hawai‘i for all residents.

Announcing the 2025-2027 AUW ALICE Cohort

Aloha United Way is excited to be leading the 2025-2027 AUW ALICE Cohort, featuring 20 nonprofit organizations dedicated to empowering ALICE families across Hawai‘i.

The organizations will collectively receive $1.3 million per year over three years to fund initiatives that tackle economic challenges facing working families across the state.

The ALICE Cohort, an integral part of the larger ALICE® Initiative, reflects AUW’s ongoing commitment to fostering economic mobility and financial security across Hawai‘i. Each Cohort member brings a shared dedication to advancing the same vital mission.

Cohort Funding and Support

The AUW ALICE Cohort’s $1.3 million in funding includes a leading $500,000 contribution from The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, alongside generous support from the Bank of Hawai‘i Foundation, HEI Charitable Foundation, HMSA, Hawai‘i Pacific Health, and Locations Foundation.

This annual funding will be distributed equally among the 20 organizations for three years (2025–2027) to address financial stability, savings programs, workforce opportunity, and affordable housing support.

Collaborative Efforts for a Stronger Community

Throughout the three-year initiative, cohort members will regularly convene to exchange insights, align strategic goals, and collaborate on enhancing their program reach and impact. By focusing on financial literacy, debt reduction, and housing stability, their combined efforts aim to drive substantial progress toward a more equitable Hawai‘i.

Meet the 2025-2027 AUW ALICE Cohort Organizations:

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Impact Area: Safe and Affrdable Housing; Financial Stability and Savings

Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi (CCH) offers the Akahai E Komo Mai (Akahai), a program designed to help ALICE families stabilize financially and develop skills to transition out of poverty. Akahai integrates financial literacy with mental health awareness and Native Hawaiian cultural values. The program provides financial counseling to 75 households and connects over 1,200 individuals to supportive resources.

Impact Area: Financial Stability and Savings

Family Promise of Hawaiʻi supports struggling families through the WAA (Working, Attaining, Achieving) initiative, designed to foster financial stability and increased savings. Modeled after the structure of the Hawaiian outrigger canoe, WAA co-creates personalized education and financial plans for achieving long-term goals with participants, fostering team cooperation and resilience.

Impact Area: Financial Stability and Savings

The Investing in Economic Growth Program aims to support ALICE households by providing $3.5 million in loans to low-income entrepreneurs lacking access to traditional funding. Feed the Hunger Foundation offers over 550 entrepreneurs personalized business development coaching and extensive online training to enhance earning potential and reduce household expenses.

Impact Area: Financial Stability and Savings

Goodwill Hawaiʻi collaborates with Komohale Services to deliver comprehensive support, including financial literacy, digital skills training, and job readiness workshops, at Komohale’s affordable housing sites. As a leader in employment services, Goodwill integrates various resources, offering holistic assistance to residents aiming for financial independence.

Impact Area: Economic Justice and Policy Advocacy

Hawaiʻi Appleseed fights for a fair economic system by addressing systemic injustices and advocating for policies benefiting low-income families. The organization is committed to creating a socially just Hawaiʻi by collaborating on solutions across sectors to remove barriers to opportunity and support financial independence.

Impact Area: Child Advocacy and Family Support

Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network works to improve the quality of life for all keiki and families in the state. By advocating for child-friendly policies, conducting research, and mobilizing community action, the organization ensures that children’s needs are prioritized in Hawai‘i’s policies and programs.

Impact Area: Public Health and Community Wellness

The Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute is dedicated to advancing public health and eliminating health disparities in Hawai‘i. Through education, policy advocacy, and partnerships, the organization addresses the social determinants of health, ensuring the well-being of all people in the islands.

Impact Area: Economic Self-Sufficiency and Housing

Hawaiian Community Assets provides financial education, housing assistance, and asset building programs to support the economic self-sufficiency of Native Hawaiians and other low-income communities. The organization empowers clients to build savings, improve credit, and achieve sustainable homeownership.

Impact Area: Homelessness and Supportive Services

IHS works to end homelessness in Hawaiʻi through comprehensive services, addressing both immediate needs and long-term solutions. The organization provides emergency shelter, medical care, employment assistance, and housing support to help individuals regain their independence and stability.

Impact Area: Education and Community Development

INPEACE enhances the quality of life for Native Hawaiians by delivering culturally relevant educational programs and community resources. Through partnerships and innovative initiatives, INPEACE empowers families and strengthens communities to achieve greater self-reliance and success.

Impact Area: Healthcare and Social Services

Kokua Kalihi Valley fosters health and healing through cultural and family-centered preventive and primary care services. By addressing the physical, social, and cultural needs of the Kalihi Valley community, the organization promotes wellness and connectedness among residents.

Impact Area: Legal Advocacy and Justice

The Legal Aid Society of Hawaiʻi provides critical legal services to ensure fairness and access to justice for Hawaii’s most vulnerable populations. Offering assistance in areas like housing, family, and consumer rights, the organization empowers clients to overcome legal challenges and improve their lives.

Impact Area: Family Strengthening and Child Development

PACT offers family-centered programs that focus on education, health, and economic development to support individual and community resilience. The organization works to create nurturing environments where families can thrive and achieve long-term stability and success.

Impact Area: Education and Community Upliftment

Partners in Development Foundation engages in projects that empower families and communities by blending Hawaiian culture with contemporary practices. Through innovative curriculum and support, the organization helps individuals achieve educational success and greater self-sufficiency.

Impact Area: Youth Homelessness and Support Services

RYSE partners with homeless youth to provide emergency shelter, counseling, and life skills development. Committed to empowering these young individuals, RYSE helps them towards achieving self-sufficiency and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Impact Area: Humanitarian Services and Support

The Salvation Army offers a broad spectrum of services, including addiction treatment, disaster relief, and social services, to meet the needs of individuals across Hawaiian and Pacific communities. By providing compassionate support, the organization helps people rebuild and improve their lives.

Impact Area: Culinary Training and Employment

Touch a Heart offers culinary training to individuals facing barriers to employment, promoting workforce readiness and economic independence. Through its supportive programs, the organization transforms lives by equipping participants with essential skills for sustainable employment.

Impact Area: Community Resources and Support

Waikīkī Community Center enriches the lives of its residents by offering diverse programs and resources, from early childhood education to senior support. The Center fosters a sense of community and encourages lifelong learning and well-being across all age groups.

Impact Area: Women’s Empowerment and Racial Justice

YWCA Oʻahu is committed to eliminating racism and empowering women through advocacy, education, and leadership development. The organization supports women in achieving economic security and promotes social justice to create a more equitable community.

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