There's no question: Folks in Hawai'i these days are increasingly living on the economic edge. Many residents were already struggling with our high housing costs and overall cost of living.

But as the nation's economy sours under soaring fuel costs, foreclosures and job losses, that struggle is becoming all the more dire.

New economic indicators, both locally and nationally, again reveal an even bumpier road ahead. Statistics released last week by the U.S. Department of Labor show employment cuts across the board — for the sixth month in a row. That's a total of 438,000 jobs lost in the first half of 2008.

Here at home, our own statistics tell a similar tale. The departure of Aloha Airlines from the passenger market eliminated 1,900 jobs; add to that the closure of Molokai Ranch, and downsizing among companies statewide, big and small.

Clearly, people are feeling the strain. And it's about to get worse. With state coffers seeing a loss in revenue, Gov. Linda Lingle announced her plan to cut the state budget by 4 percent. Precious federal funds for social services have also taken a hit.

"These across-the-board cuts mean that the organizations our society is depending upon to fill the gaps are facing resource cuts — at the same time the demand for their services is increasing. In that particular sector, things are troublesome," said John Flanagan, president and CEO for the Hawai'i Alliance for Nonprofit Organizations.

It's a challenge, to be sure. But sitting on our hands is not the answer. It will take businesses, charities, civic groups, schools and communities — all of us — working together.

Nonprofits can partner with groups that share a common mission, making the most of resources and volunteers and building upon each agency's strengths. As Flanagan rightly notes: It's time for creativity and flexibility.

And although many of us have increasingly less discretionary income to give to charitable causes, volunteering time and talents will also make a difference.

"Everybody should do what we can, especially in times like these," says Susan Au Doyle, president of Aloha United Way. "Those of us who are fortunate can give more; others can give in different ways."

Exactly.

And while the holes in Hawai'i's safety net are starting to show, this community — all of us — have time and time again proven up to the challenge of pulling together.

All it takes is a willingness to make a personal commitment, whether it's money, time or expertise.

What will you do?