Where to Give to Support People Impacted by Maui Wildfires
Devastating wildfires swept across several towns in Maui, Hawai’i last week as well as touching the Big Island of Hawai’i. With the death toll already nearing 100, the wildfire is the deadliest the U.S. has seen in more than a century.
To support Maui residents in the wake of the tragedy, you can donate to the Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund.
“The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui. HCF will not be collecting a fee for donations to the Maui Strong Fund; 100 percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs,” said Hawai’i Community Foundation.
As of August 11, 2023, the Maui Strong Fund has raised more than $17M. A social media post from Hawai’i Community Foundation on August 13, 2023, stated that more than $1.8M in grants have been awarded to 12 “on-the-ground partners on Maui who are providing critical supplies and services, such as food, diapers, shelter, clothing, showers, first aid, animal care, grief support, and boat transportation to provide relief to Lahaina residents.”
Maui United Way is accepting donations to its Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund, which will provide immediate financial assistance to families and nonprofits directly affected by the Maui fire disaster.
Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division has also activated services, including emergency food boxes, emergency housing, and emotional support, across Maui. Salvation Army Maui can accept material donations of shelf-stable and non-perishable food, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and personal protection equipment—fill out the form at the bottom of their website to learn more about donating material goods.
The American Red Cross is working with local officials and partners to provide evacuees with a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support during this challenging time. Having received nearly 1,500 calls already, American Red Cross is also prepared to expand relief efforts as needed.
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Donors who have a fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation can make a grant recommendation via Fund Central or by contacting their relationship manager. (In Fund Central, search Hawai’i, not Hawaii).
