Aloha United Way’s 211 Annual Report reveals rising housing, food needs throughout Hawaiʻi

Aloha United Way recently released its 211 Annual Report, highlighting what residents throughout Hawaiʻi needed most in 2025 based on contacts to the 211 Statewide Helpline.

The report examines contact volume, geographic trends and types of assistance people sought most often from year to year.

“When someone calls 211, they are often carrying a lot. They may be worried about rent, food or a bill they cannot cover, and unsure where to start,” said Aloha United Way President and Chief Executive Officer Michelle Bartell in a release with highlights from this year’s report. “Our trained specialists take time to listen without judgment, ask a few questions and help callers find a clear next step.”

Bartell said the helpline works because the community stands behind it, from nonprofit partners and state legislators to donors and volunteers.

“Together, we helped neighbors across Hawaiʻi get connected to support and move toward stability,” she said.

Key findings from the 2025 Aloha United Way 211 Annual Report

• Aloha United Way’s 211 Statewide Helpline handled 99,576 contacts, including calls, texts and online requests, marking the highest volume since 2021, when communities were still facing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 211 specialists handled 51,576 live calls, texts and chats, with 38,923 referrals made to community-based organizations and government agencies.
• 30,969 cases were opened, providing personalized, in-depth navigation support to individuals and families throughout Hawaiʻi.
• Housing remained the most urgent need, accounting for 39% of all requests, followed by food assistance at 18%.
• During the final 3 months of 2025, 211 call volume increased by 70%, driven in part by the government shutdown, uncertainty surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP and still commonly referred to as food stamps — and confusion about where to turn for help.
• Kūpuna 55 years old and older accounted for 35% of 211 calls, highlighting the growing needs among older adults for housing stability, food access and utility assistance.

“Every day, families across Hawaiʻi face tough decisions about housing, food and basic necessities,” said Hawai’i Gov. Josh Green in the release. “The 211 Statewide Helpline provides a direct connection to trusted local resources in every county. … This report shows why 211 needs strong, reliable support year-round.”

The Aloha United Way 211 Annual Report also includes data insights for each county and the top three ZIP Codes, which help identify service shortages, inform planning and advocacy and strengthen community response to better support residents in the future.

“As one of the agencies most frequently referred through 211, we see how important this connection is,” said Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi President and Chief Executive Officer Tina Andrade in the release. “When families reach out for help with rent, food or other urgent needs, 211 helps guide them to the right door. That coordination helps providers respond faster and helps families stabilize sooner.”

Aloha United Way’s 211 Statewide Helpline — established in 1990  — has connected people throughout Hawaiʻi with local support for more than 3 decades.

The helpline provides free, confidential health and human services information and referrals in every county. Trained 211 information and referral specialists assess each caller’s situation and connect individuals and families to local resources.

Visit the Aloha United Way 211 Statewide Helpline website to learn more.