Safety Net Fund

Safety Net Fund

Geographic Scope: Hawaii (Oʻahu focus, with statewide impact through partner agencies)

Focus Areas: Essential lifesaving programs; health, maternal health, family support

Overview:
Aloha United Way's Safety Net Fund directly supports essential partner organizations and their lifesaving programs. The fund helps bridge gaps when federal funds dry up, when reimbursements don't cover costs, and when vulnerable populations can't wait for help.

Key Partner Organization Supported:

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi (HMHB): Over 30 years of supporting mothers, babies, and families

Programs Funded Through Safety Net:

Mobile Health Services (serving Waiʻanae, Waimānalo, Waipio, Puna)

- Remote fetal monitoring and postpartum checkups
- Primary care for entire families
- Culturally responsive healthcare

Community-based doula services (up to 1 hour per pregnant woman in shelters)

Lactation Lounges for working mothers

Cribs for Kids safe sleep program

Diapers, formula, and basic supplies

Mental health support and dignity-focused care

Why It Matters:

Over 95% of HMHB clients rely on Medicaid

Federal reimbursements cover far less than true cost of care

Significant gaps in maternity care access, especially on neighbor islands

Addresses geographic barriers, provider shortages, and lack of local birthing facilities

Geographic Need:

Moloka'i residents dying from curable diseases due to distance from care

Neighbor islands experience significant healthcare access challenges

Contact Information:

Email: info@auw.org

Phone: (808) 536-1951 or (808) 543-2222

Website: auw.org/safety-net-fund

Address: 200 N. Vineyard Boulevard, Suite 700, Honolulu, HI 96817