When catastrophic wildfires forced Maui residents from their longtime homes and into an unknown future in early August, Maui United Way’s small yet mighty local staff immediately transitioned to around-the-clock disaster response, leveraging our 75 years of community service on Maui. We are working to meet the needs via fast-tracked grant approvals to existing grassroots organizations that are local and focused on basic needs.  All of our work is guided by a deep desire to increase equity and decrease long-standing disparities for communities, including the AAPI populations, especially Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander populations.  And 100% of the donations to Maui United Way stay in Hawaii.

Here are some results so far:
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Emergency Financial Assistance for Adults in the Impacted Fire Zones: Maui United Way launched a one-time $1,000 financial assistance payment program for adult fire survivors living in the impacted fire zones in Lahaina and Kula, limited to $5,000 per household, as long as funds allow. Giving families the ability to choose what they purchase is empowering – they know what they need.

Maui United Way has approved grants to nonprofit partners offering direct relief to impacted families including:

- Locally grown food provided by Maui’s farmers
- Transportation for those who have had their vehicles destroyed
- Mortgage and insurance assistance
- Help replacing identification lost in the fires
- Crisis counseling
- Childcare services and health care, including from Native Hawaiian practitioners

As the community moves beyond initial emergency response, MUW will engage with the community to ensure our work takes a survivor-centered approach that creates a stronger, more resilient Maui.

To make a donation to the Maui United Way's Maui Fire and Disaster Relief, click here.