As disastrous fires engulf Maui, here are 10 relief organizations to support.
Earlier this week, quick-spreading wildfires on Maui began tearing through the western side of the island, resulting in evacuations, multiple fatalities, and warnings discouraging visitors.
Videos capturing the fires’ devastation circulated on social media, portraying towering flames engulfing buildings and homes, as panicked residents fled into the streets and ocean to escape the smoke and flames in this popular tourist destination.
Aerial imagery showcased iconic landmarks, such as Lahaina’s famous banyan tree reduced to rubble, with over 35 confirmed dead and thousands evacuated from their homes.
Amidst the unfolding tragedy, here are 10 organizations providing essential disaster relief directly to affected residents.
1. Hawaii Red Cross
Hawaii Red Cross has established shelters across Maui and Hawai’i Island, where wildfires are also displacing residents. These shelters offer food, water, and a safe place to stay for both residents and visitors seeking refuge. The organization welcomes monetary donations to fund their shelters and is also seeking community volunteers to join their Disaster Action Team.
2. Maui Mutual Aid
The grassroots organization, Maui Mutual Aid, is collecting monetary donations to assist residents who have become displaced. They stated, “All funds will be distributed as quickly as possible to vulnerable ‘Ohana in need, kupuna, persons with physical disabilities, renters, and those who have no insurance or are underinsured.”
3. Aloha United Way
Aloha United Way has initiated a Maui Relief Fund where all proceeds go directly to Maui United Way. Partner agencies comprise Maui Food Bank, the Red Cross, and the Salvation Army. “Aloha United Way is actively coordinating efforts with Maui United Way to provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires,” said John Fink, president and CEO of Aloha United Way.
4. Chef Hui
In collaboration with chefs, farmers, and restaurants across all Hawaiian Islands, Chef Hui is working to cook and distribute food to displaced residents in Maui. They are seeking restaurants or businesses interested in fundraising to support long-term relief efforts.
5. Maui Humane Society
Maui Humane Society (MHS) reported that their shelter was already over capacity prior to the fires. They anticipate an influx of hundreds of animals in the coming days and have encouraged residents with the capacity to foster to sign up as “SOS Fosters.” MHS also suggested that those on the mainland can help by purchasing supplies from their Amazon Wishlist, which will be delivered directly, or by making a monetary donation.
6. Hawaii Salvation Army
The Hawaii Salvation Army is requesting monetary donations to fund mass meal services for displaced residents at shelters across Maui.
7. Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank is accepting monetary donations to help distribute food through their partnership with Maui VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) and other relief effort organizations.
8. Lāhui Foundation
The Lāhui Foundation, established as a resource for underrepresented communities in Hawaii, is collecting monetary donations directly for affected residents. The organization also shared on Instagram that mainland residents trying to contact missing family members on Maui can reach out, and they will help check for survivors.
9. Maui Strong Fund
Created by the Hawaii Community Foundation, the Maui Strong Fund is focused on building community resilience by providing resources for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Currently, all donations are serving to support community members affected by wildfires.
10. United Sommeliers Foundation
The United Sommeliers Foundation is dedicated to assisting professional sommeliers facing financial hardship and has opened emergency funding for Hawaii wildfire relief. As sommeliers are a vital profession in Hawaii due to its tourism, they can apply directly for funding, and fully tax-deductible monetary donations can be made online.
