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Here’s how to help those affected by the Maui wildfires
Plus, tell us what charities and organizations we missed and we'll add them to the list.
Thousands of residents and visitors have fled Maui after a wildfire tore across the island, leaving parts of Lahaina – a historic town on the west side of Maui – scorched and destroyed.
Ninety-nine people have been killed as a result of the fire, in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.
The fire that swept through Lahaina destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000, according to the Associated Press.
Firefighters battled the fires which began on Aug. 8, fueled by strong winds produced by Hurricane Dora.
Damage assessment continues to be ongoing, and the death toll will likely continue to rise, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.
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President Joe Biden approved federal disaster relief for Hawaii to help state and local recovery efforts to the areas affected by the fires.
The National Guard has activated 134 troops — including 99 Army National Guard personnel and 35 Air National Guard personnel — to assist in the in the ongoing local and federal wildfire response efforts, according to the Department of Defense.
Below we’ve rounded up organizations that are supporting Hawaiian residents devastated by the Maui wildfires. Did we miss any? Fill out our survey below or e-mail us at [email protected] with your recommended resources you think should be added to the list.
Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund
The Office of the Governor of Hawaii has directed donors to the Hawaii Community Foundation. The Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund will be used to support Maui communities affected by recent fires, including response and recovery efforts. Donations can be made on their website or through nonprofit ‘Āina Momona.
Hawaii Salvation Army
The Hawaii Salvation Army will provide meals for thousands displaced in Maui emergency shelters. They are asking for monetary donations and large volume meal donations from restaurants and certified kitchens to help feed those at Maui shelters.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) is a non-profit organization working to enhance the cultural, economic, political, and community development of Native Hawaiians. The organization, along with the Alakaina Foundation Family and Kakoo Haleakala, will match up to $250,000 in donations for those affected by the fire.
Aloha United Way
Aloha United Way, an organization that amplifies non-profit agencies and their work, has established a Maui Fire Relief Fund where 100% of proceeds are directed to Maui United Way, whose partner agencies (such as Maui Food Bank, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army) are distributing relief funds according to the community’s most urgent needs.
Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank is seeking monetary donations in efforts to feed thousands of displaced residents.
Maui Mutual Aid
Maui Mutual Aid is seeking donations to support Maui families, elders, people with disabilities, and those with limited or no insurance. Visit the group’s Facebook group and Instagram page for updates.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association
The Hawaii Restaurant Association is organizing donations and volunteer efforts on Maui and for evacuees on Oahu. You can contribute to relief efforts on Maui or to evacuees transported to Oahu.
American Red Cross
The Red Cross is seeking financial donations to be used right away to directly help those affected, such as replacing lost items like prescription medications or reading glasses. For example, $5 can provide a blanket and $10 can provide a meal.
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For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the Hawaii Wildfires, the Red Cross asks that they write “Hawaii Wildfires” in the memo line of a check and mail it with a completed donation form to the address on the form or to their local Red Cross chapter.
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