Rally Around Maui: United Ways Respond to the Wildfire Disaster
The August 2023 Maui wildfire disaster is the deadliest natural disaster in Hawaii's history. Deadly wildfires, fueled by a drought and powerful winds, devastated the island of Maui; the historic town of Lahaina burned to the ground and suffered massive destruction, and more than 100 people lost their lives. For many, the damage came on top of economic insecurity.
“Maui, Maui Nui and especially our Hawaiian and AAPI (Pacific Islanders) were hurting and struggling plenty before this," said Nicholas Winfrey, President and Chief Professional Officer at Maui United Way in a Center for Disaster Philanthropy webinar, Before the disaster, per capita income in the historic resort town of Lahaina was just over $30,000 ($7,000 below the mean in the U.S.); rents averaged $1,700 a month.
With 3,000+ structures destroyed, businesses, homes and jobs will have to be rebuilt. The disaster also represents a threat to the ancestral homes and heritage of an already fragile community.
United Ways across our global network came together around Maui. Locally, Maui United Way-with only five employees- sprang into action, in a display of remarkable agility and responsiveness. In coordination with the global United Way network, Maui United Way raised millions of dollars through their disaster fund, focusing on meeting the critical needs of the Maui community.
United Way Worldwide (UWW) deployed specialist staff to provide vital on-the-ground capacity, and helped establish a cross-functional UWW team that meets daily to identify and close support gaps, and drive stakeholder support for Maui United Way's efforts.
Around the world, local United Ways collaborated on a coordinated response, contributing technical expertise, resources, staff time, and financial support. United Way Southeast Louisiana donated $100,000 in the form of 200 gift cards to provide individual direct financial relief in Maui. United Way of Salt Lake contributed staff time to review grant applications, United Way New Jersey supported the needs assessment process using ALICE data, and United Way Palm Beach contributed disaster grant application and evaluation templates. United Way of the Wine Country (CA) shared disaster grant-making resources, while the United Ways of California set up weekly calls with colleagues across California to meet on-the-ground need. Other local United Ways continue to contribute time, resources, and skills.
In an update to the United Way Network, Angela F. Williams, President and CEO of UWW said, "Across our network, United Ways are lending their expertise, providing financial support, and promoting the disaster fund. It truly demonstrates the power of the global United Way Network."
The collective effort immediately assisted local nonprofits and families affected by the disaster. Food, temporary shelter, crisis counseling, medical outreach, mental health care, and essential provisions for emergency responders were able to reach communities on the island. Maui United Way is also distributing $1,000 emergency financial assistance grants directly to survivors of the impact zone.
Grants were dispatched to nonprofits working diligently to meet emergency needs, including provision of medical outreach by Native Hawaiian practitioners, and assistance to people with disabilities and mobility issues. This extended support even included transportation for essential services such as medical treatments and document replacement for those who lost IDs and passports in the fires.
The Maui wildfire's destruction reminds us of nature's unpredictable force, but it also reminds us of the power of community, empathy, and resilience. When communities come together, we can rebuild and recover from even the most profound loss.
Maui United Way Disaster Relief Fund is making a difference in countless lives. Our ability to respond effectively to disasters requires ongoing preparedness and resources.