Aloha United Way
EMERGENCY & CRISIS SERVICES While most of the funding in our other Impact Strategies is focused on prevention or long-term improvement of the root causes of our island’s most pressing problems, Aloha United Way recognizes that many in our community are experiencing difficulties right now. Therefore, Aloha United Way allocates a portion of the funds raised each year to support Emergency & Crisis Services, which will help the most-needy in our community. The most vulnerable in our community have many needs. While there are many different service areas we could select, the Emergency & Crisis Services Impact Council selected the following six areas after conducting a thorough review of historic needs and funding in the community for Emergency & Crisis Services. ♦ Emergency medical care for the homeless and uninsured ♦ Emergency food supply ♦ Support for the escape and sheltering of domestic violence victims ♦ Support for families affected by disasters ♦ Support for those who are at-risk of becoming homeless ♦ Crisis stabilization for selected crisis situations
OUR STRATEGY The Emergency & Crisis Services Impact Council decided that the availability of the services we are offering is critical. Therefore, the Council selected multiple providers in geographically dispersed areas for each service area. THE CHALLENGE ♦ Many of the unemployed, underemployed and homeless do not have access to medical care. ♦ The current economic situation has led to increasing demands on food pantries as families find themselves unable to afford food. ♦ Domestic violence incidents rise as financial problems add to the stress our families are experiencing. ♦ Many families are unable to make rent, mortgage or utility payments as the challenging economy forces them to make difficult decisions between food and shelter. ♦ In good times and bad, families experience disasters like fires or floods and need help to recover. ♦ Our substantial military population faces special challenges as the physically and psychologically wounded strive to recover – often far away from home and family. ♦ Many individuals in crisis require immediate help to stabilize the situation before moving into traditional counseling or treatment programs. 2010 RESULTS (For 2011 results, visit our website at auw.org/emergency-crisis-services.) ♦ Over 387,000 meals were provided by the Hawaii Foodbank and its network of food pantries. ♦ Over 350 families were provided emergency rent, mortgage or utility payment assistance through the federally funded Emergency Food & Shelter program administered by Aloha United Way. ♦ Over 19,698 individuals were provided emergency assistance through Aloha United Way in the following areas: ♦ Medical care to 6,034 homeless or uninsured individuals. ♦ Emergency sheltering of 339 adults and 313 children from domestic violence situations. ♦ Notification concerning family emergencies to 912 deployed military personnel. ♦ Crisis stabilization of 1,030 youth who were arrested for status violations but were diverted from juvenile court and placed in counseling and other intervention programs. Aloha United Way 200 N. Vineyard Blvd., Suite 700 Honolulu, HI 96817-3938 808-536-1951 www.auw.org