Akahai E Komo Mai
Guiding ALICE Families Toward Stability
Akahai E Komo Mai is a Catholic Charities Hawai‘i program that blends Native Hawaiian cultural values, financial education, and mental health awareness to support working families.
It is designed for ALICE households — families who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — helping them build the skills and support systems needed for lasting household stability.
Understanding ALICE Families
Nationally: Over 40% of U.S. households struggle to make ends meet.
In Hawai‘i (2023):
- 45% of households were below the ALICE Threshold
- 10% living in poverty
- 35% classified as ALICE households (earning above the poverty level but still unable to afford basic necessities)
ALICE households often earn too much to qualify for public assistance, yet not enough to cover basic household expenses.
The ALICE Income Status Tool calculates a “Survival Budget,” including:
- Housing
- Child care
- Food
- Transportation
- Health care
- Technology
- Taxes
- A 10% contingency fund
This budget is then compared to household income by location and household size to determine if a family is Poverty-Level, ALICE, or Above the ALICE Threshold.
What Akahai E Komo Mai Provides
We weave together financial literacy, emotional wellbeing, and cultural grounding. Services include:
- Financial Health Workshops — budgeting, saving, debt management, and credit improvement
- One-on-One Financial Counseling — customized guidance for increasing income and repairing credit
- Case Management — help accessing public benefits and community resources
- Mental Health Screenings & Awareness — confidential screenings and referrals
- Culturally Grounded Support — honoring Native Hawaiian values in all aspects of guidance
Program Features
- Free of charge for participants
- Confidential, personalized guidance
- Flexible workshop times for working families
- Practical tools for immediate use
Fees
All services are provided at no cost.
Get Started Today
Fanchon Keamo-Young
Program Director
Email: fanchon.keamo@
Phone: (808) 209-5103
Partners & Support
Akahai is a Catholic Charities Hawai‘i program, proud to be part of the FDIC’s Money Smart Alliance.
Supported by:
- Aloha United Way (AUW)
- Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF)
through the 2022–2025 ALICE Initiative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible?
Employed households that meet ALICE criteria.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes — financial and mental health support are private and confidential.
How long does it take?
Program length depends on household needs, from short workshops to ongoing case management.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Akahai E Komo Mai is here to walk with you — combining practical skills, compassionate support, and cultural strength so your family can thrive.
Contact Fanchon Keamo-Young today to get started.
Catholic Charities Hawai‘i — caring for people, honoring culture, building community.
