This month, our friends on Maui have faced the worst natural disaster in the island's recorded history as devastating forest fires ripped through historic townships like Lahaina, ravaging an area steeped in tradition, natural beauty, and community. In simple terms, the last few days have been nothing short of tragic.
While our immediate reaction is to jump in with helping hands, authorities on the island and surrounding regions fear that an influx of people on the ground may actually overwhelm the island's damaged infrastructure, taking necessary resources from those who need it most, and causing more harm than good.
However, there are operations at work right now that can use our support and have set up donation funds to fuel the efforts already taking place on the ground. Of course, there are also plenty of bad actors out there trying to take advantage of the situation, so we went ahead and selected a few proven organizations directly helping with recovery efforts on the island (organizations that have been verified by the Department of the Attorney General). Please take a look, and consider supporting their work in the coming days and weeks.
1. Maui Mutual Aid Fund
A grassroots monetary fund being distributed to Maui residents in need, particularly the elderly, people with disabilities, and residents that are uninsured or underinsured.
2. Global Giving: Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund
This fund is set up to help first responders provide food, fuel, clean water, medicine and shelter to survivors in the area.
3. Aloha United Way: Maui Relief Fund
This fire relief fund is organized to support the victims of the fires and their families and operates through the United Way, a trusted and proven national network.
4. Maui Food Bank
Provides food and water to survivors and displaced Maui residents. Very well connected working with over 100 local partners on the island.
5. Maui Strong Fund
Hawai'i Community Foundation's ongoing fund for disaster response and recovery is now being dedicated solely to fire relief efforts.
6. Maui Humane Society
Hundreds of animals have been displaced due to the Maui wildfires. Help the island's Humane Society help reconnect pets with owners, pay for transportation and cover costs during this challenging time.
7. Kāko'o Maui Fund
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement is matching up to $100,000 in community donations for families impacted by the wildfires on Maui. Your contribution will be doubled, effectively amplifying your support and providing critical assistance to families and businesses in Lahaina.
(This list will grow as more resources become available.)
