Here’s a list of reputable non-profits and organizations that you can safely donate to victims of the wildfires in Maui.
As of today, the Maui wildfires have killed at least 99 people. Hawaii Governor Josh Green has called it, “the largest natural disaster in Hawaii state history.” Thousands of residents have been displaced as fires inflamed by dry winds from a hurricane erupted through Lahaina and Kula.
Hawai’i Tourism Authority is requesting hotels and vacation rental home owners “to consider how they might be able to house Maui residents displaced by the fire.”
Meanwhile, officials at Maui County are asking for nonperishable food, bottled water, blankets and hygiene products as donations. They can be dropped off at Maui’s War Memorial Complex from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m.
As hundreds of buildings and homes are annihilated, in addition to a rising death toll; many are seeking ways to help victims affected by the devastating wildfires. Below is a list of non-profits providing ways to aid.
Hawai’i Community Foundation
As of last Friday, Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund has raised more than $17 million to provide “financial resources that can be deployed quickly.” The foundation is currently receiving donations to offer food, shelter, response and recovery efforts while sustaining community resilience.
The Maui United Way
Since 1945, Maui United Way has been working to meet the county’s most essential needs: education, income, sustainability and health. During this difficult time, the organization is committed to allocating all donations to provide “direct relief to families and nonprofits directly affected” by the wildfires. On its website, you can also apply for help.
The Maui Food Bank
The Maui Food Bank will use all donations to create meals for residents that are displaced. For every $1, it can provide four meals for those in need.
It’s currently giving food to 104 agencies, 5+ shelters and kitchens that are making meals for the disaster victims. Your continued financial contributions greatly helps the disaster relief that will prolong for weeks to come.
Aloha United Way
Aloha United Way has been serving Hawaiian community for more than a century. In lieu of the wildfires, it has created the Maui Fire Relief Fund where donations will directly support victims.
Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation
Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1986 and is dedicated to strengthen the quality of public education in Hawaii by advanced innovation. Right now, it is partnering with the Hawaii State Department of Education to support our public school communities impacted by the destructive wildfires on Maui.
All monetary donations in support of this effort received by PSHF from Aug. 7, 2023 through October 1, 2023 will be designated solely for Maui public schools affected by the wildfire disaster.
Hawaii Lions Foundation
Hawaii Lions Foundation’s mission has always been to promote programs of improving and expanding services to sight and hearing impaired persons. Its Maui Disaster Relief matches up to $25,000 in donations for Maui disaster relief efforts. You can donate here.
Maui AIDS Foundation
The Maui AIDS Foundation has always been a social service organization meeting the needs of Maui County community by serving those incarcerated, those living with Hepatitis and other STIs, people living with HIV, substance use, LGBTQIA+ and Mahu populations, women at-risk and others at-risk, Native Hawaiian communities, and mental illness by promoting wellness and enhancing their quality of life.
Due to the devastating wildfires, the foundation has created an Amazon wish list for those displaced and living in shelters. Items will be delivered to the foundation and transported to a shelter.
The foundation is also currently hiring volunteers to carry boxes and drive supplies to shelter.
Maui Mutual Aid Fund
Maui Mutual Aid Fund is a team of volunteers collecting money and donations by starting a “needs list”on their social media platforms. These donations are helping Maui families, people with disabilities, senior citizens and victims with little or zero insurance. Follow its Instagram page to find out ways to donate.
Global Empowerment Mission: Maui Fires Brinker Fund
Hawaiian surfer Brian Keaulana and Tiare Lawrence (Community Specialist at Mahi Pono, a Maui farming company transforming 41,000 acres of vacant former sugar cane land into a thriving hub of diversified agriculture) have created a fundraiser where Keaulana is organizing boats to deliver generators, tents, food, gas and water. He and Lawrence are working together to connecting families while retrieving water, food and shelter for them. You can donate to their Maui Fires Brinker Fund to assist their relief efforts.
Maui Humane Society
The Maui Humane Society is currently accepting donations to feed and care for displaced pets, many require medical treatment. As it states on its Facebook page, “Pet food, pop-up kennels, and litter are pivotal to providing sustenance to animals, as staff and volunteers are putting together kits for families and animals in need.” You can donate on its website or on its Facebook page. You can also order supplies from its Amazon Wishlist that will be delivered directly to the Humane Society.
