'Help is pouring in': How to assist victims in the Maui wildfires in Hawaii
The fire that tore through the historic Maui community of Lahaina on Aug. 8, was the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, leaving at least 96 dead – a number officials expect to rise.
More than 1,800 homes and structures were leveled in the intense blaze, fanned by high winds and dry conditions, and hundreds of people remain missing.
More than 1,600 people are being housed in shelters, and possibly thousands need someplace to stay, Gov. Josh Green said. State agencies including the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency were coordinating with Maui County, the Red Cross, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to move survivors into hotel rooms and vacation rentals, he said, adding: "Help is pouring in both locally and around the world as our hearts are with the people of Maui."
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Hara, from the Hawaii State Department of Defense, asked those who want to donate supplies or volunteer to do so through the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. James Kunane Tokioka, director of the department of business, economic development and tourism, said the governor has also asked people with vacant homes or vacation rentals to provide shelter for those in need.
Other ways to help include:
'Maui Strong'
The Hawaii Community Foundation has launched the “Maui Strong” fundraising effort to quickly address evolving needs, including shelter, food and financial help for those impacted by the disaster. HCF says 100 percent of the funds donated will be distributed for community needs in collaboration with government leaders, nonprofits and community members. It reported as of Aug. 11, $17,091,490 has been raised.
Donation’s also may be made to the Maui United Way fire relief fund. The organization says All donations will provide direct relief to families and nonprofits directly affected by the Maui Fire Disaster.
The Lahui Foundation also is collecting monetary donations to be given directly to fire recovery efforts impacted residents.
Kako‘o Maui Match Donation Fund: Last week the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement helped start the fund and quickly reached its $1.5 million goal. Donations are still being accepted and the council said 100% of proceeds will go toward relief efforts. Information on how to donate can be found here.
Hoʻōla Maui Fund: Contributions to this fund will support Maui youth impacted by the disasters so they can continue to benefit from a strong educational support system. Donations can be made here.
The Maui Humane Society is asking people to assist with aid to pets affected by the disaster. The group is asking people to foster pets in need, give pet supplies and to provide donations.
Red Cross
The American Red Cross reportedly has 220 disaster workers on the ground, with more on the way. Others are working virtually to help those affected by the fires. About 1,300 local residents have begun Red Cross volunteer training since the fires began, the agency reported. Those interested in volunteering can visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
For organizations and individuals who want to offer services or donations to aid in the county rescue and relief efforts, the Red Cross said information can be provided here to help organize and deploy resources.
To make a financial contribution to Red Cross relief efforts in Maui visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross also operates a Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990.
GoFundMe
The crowdsourced online fundraising platform GoFundMe has verified about 600 fundraising efforts from around the nation to provide help for Maui fire victims, many of whom have lost their homes and possessions.
Contributing: N'dea Yancey-Bragg, Itzel Luna, Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY
Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @kaylajjimenez.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How to help Maui fire victims as Hawaii wildfires leave many in need
