Pacific Gateway Center

Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) was founded in 1973 by the Palama Council of Churches in Hawai‘i, including St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, Kaumakapili Church, and Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Created in response to the large influx of Southeast Asian refugees following the Vietnam War, PGC has remained committed to empowering Hawaii’s immigrant, refugee, and underserved populations. Many of those we serve come to Hawaii facing significant challenges: they have fled their homelands due to political upheaval, war, civil conflicts, and even climate-induced displacement. Upon arrival, they encounter new risks such as social and cultural isolation, language barriers, poverty, limited job and communication skills, restricted access to education and financial resources, and a lack of housing, food security, and healthcare. Through targeted programs, PGC addresses these critical needs, providing comprehensive support that empowers individuals and families to build self-sufficient and fulfilling lives in their new communities.

Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) realizes its mission of empowering low-income residents, immigrants, refugees, and other vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency through its programs and projects in three key pillars: Social Services, Immigration Legal Services, and Economic Empowerment. Each pillar addresses unique needs while promoting skill-building, opportunity access, and cultural respect. Social Services PGC provides comprehensive social services that address immediate needs and lay the groundwork for long-term self-sufficiency. By offering housing assistance, case management, language access support, and resettlement services, PGC helps clients overcome initial barriers to integration. For example, PGC assists refugees and immigrants with finding housing, accessing healthcare, and connecting with local resources. These services promote stability and empower clients to build a foundation for success in their new communities. Immigration Legal Services Through its Immigration Legal Services, PGC aids immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. Offering assistance with applications for citizenship, work permits, family reunification, DACA, and more, PGC’s legal team ensures that clients can access the legal support they need to stay on a pathway to self-sufficiency. With multilingual support, PGC addresses the diverse needs of Hawaii’s immigrant populations while respecting each community’s unique cultural heritage. Economic Empowerment PGC’s Economic Empowerment programs aim to equip individuals with the skills and resources they need to build sustainable livelihoods. Through initiatives like small business development, job training, and access to certified commercial kitchens, PGC empowers clients to start businesses, secure employment, and increase their income. Programs such as the Culinary Business Incubator and small farm support also promote economic stability, allowing participants to contribute to Hawaii’s food systems and local economy. This approach honors clients’ cultural backgrounds and encourages them to share their heritage with the community. By engaging in these three pillars, PGC fulfills its mission to support vulnerable populations on their journey to self-sufficiency, ensuring they have the resources and respect they need to thrive.