Aloha In Action
Outcomes Brief
Aloha in Action mobilized community-led Resilience Hubs and Points of Distribution to ensure families impacted by the federal shutdown in remote and underserved areas could access food and essential support during times of stress and disruption. This effort demonstrated that when neighbors organize together, they can move resources quickly, equitably, and with deep care.
Network Reach and Access
Through 14 community-led distribution sites, Aloha in Action supported 6,000 families with fresh, locally grown produce, pantry staples, and gas cards. Each site served as a trusted, hyper-local access point—reducing transportation barriers and making it possible for families who might otherwise be left out to receive support close to home.
| Distribution Site | Families Served |
|---|---|
| Yano Hall | 310 |
| Puna Mākaukau Fern Acres | 150 |
| Fern Forest Association | 100 |
| Hawaiian Acres Resilience Hub | |
| Sure Foundation Church | 340 |
| Nani Mau Gardens | 180 |
| St Augustine's Episcopal Church | |
| Kailapa Community Pavilion | 45 |
| Kaiāulu O Waikoloa | 75 |
| Honokaʻa Community Complex | |
| Laupāhoehoe Church | 30 |
| Onomea Farm Hub | |
| Pāpaʻikou Gym (Frank M. Santos Park Pavilion) | 120 |
Community Investment and Volunteer Power
Nearly 500 volunteers contributed over 2,000 hours to plan, pack, transport, and distribute resources. Their efforts turned donations into real, tangible support for families across the island and strengthened relationships between neighbors, community organizations, and local partners.
"My heart broke when my son asked for something to eat, and I didn’t have anything to give him. I had no idea how we were gonna make it through the week. The sigh of relief I felt today when we picked up our boxes, is indescribable. Thank you so much for your time and generosity."
Direct Financial Relief and Support for Essential Workers
A total of 600 ($100) KTA gift cards provided flexible, immediate relief at a critical time for federal employee families, including members of the Hawaiʻi National Guard, TSA, FAA, and USDA at both Hilo and Kona airports, as well as park rangers at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park—recognizing their vital role in keeping our island safe, connected, and moving. In addition, our network of Social Service Navigators screened and responded to urgent and critical unmet needs to ensure folks were able to get to medical appointments, keep their phones on, and stay housed.
Need assistance navigating resources? Connect with a Social Service Navigator.
Communication and Islandwide Engagement
The Aloha in Action webpage and resources pages received 30,000+ visits, serving as a central hub for information about distribution locations, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give. This digital reach helped coordinate action, reduce confusion, and keep the community informed as plans evolved.
Financial Donations and Direct Community Investment
While invoices for food supplies continue to be received and processed, the current budget reflects $740,377 in financial donations to Aloha in Action. These funds are being directed straight into community support, including:
Total Financial Donations
Food
Gas Cards
KTA Gift Cards
Emergency Assistance
These investments ensure that donations translate directly into meals on tables, fuel in cars, and immediate assistance for households navigating hardship. All Vibrant Hawaiʻi personnel costs were absorbed by other flexible, operating grants.
Our Partners
