Thanks to Our Donors, Maui United Way’s Fire Response Is Making a Difference for Impacted Families
When devastating wildfires displaced Maui residents from their homes and disrupted their lives, Maui United Way immediately mobilized into 24/7 disaster response. Drawing on over 75 years of service to the Maui community, our team worked tirelessly to address urgent needs.
Through our trusted network of local nonprofits and the overwhelming generosity of local kamaʻāina and supporters worldwide, the Maui Fire Disaster Relief Fund has enabled us to deliver critical, fast-tracked assistance to those impacted by the August 2023 fires. To date, we have allocated over $12.5 million to support fire-affected individuals and organizations across Maui County.
Your generosity has been the driving force behind this work, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your compassion and trust. Your support has made a profound difference, and we invite you to continue partnering with us as we focus on long-term recovery.
In close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit partners, and community members, Maui United Way is identifying and addressing unmet needs. With equity at the core of our mission, we are committed to ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity and resources to rebuild their lives.
Our areas of focus moving forward include:
- ʻOhana Wellness and Resiliency: Prioritizing mental health and overall well-being for families and individuals.
- Education and Workforce Development: Supporting educational resources and workforce opportunities to empower our community.
- Stable Housing: Helping families secure safe, long-term housing solutions.
Together, we can continue to heal, rebuild, and strengthen our community. Mahalo for being part of this journey.
Maui United Way’s local providers help to feed thousands of survivors with fresh produce and proteins from local growers and suppliers. With support from us and other organizations, Common Ground Collective has been providing between 8,000 to 10,000 meals daily, and Salvation Army-Maui Corps is working with partners to prepare more than 2,000 meals per day.
After losing their homeless shelter in Lahaina, Maui United Way funds are helping Ka Hale A Ke Ola to shelter 70 adults and 38 children with clothing, household necessities, food, bus passes and more.
Maui Family Support Services’ Early Head Start building was destroyed in the fires, and MFSS is now using Maui United Way funds to relocate students and to provide tuition for children to learn at a new location. Additionally, they are providing gas cards to provide transportation between school and work, and to provide household essentials.
Na Keiki O Emalia is helping grieving children by providing services, books, toys and a child-friendly drop-in space, and will provide education and resources on helping children with grief. Pacific Birth Collective is providing Lomi & La’au Lapa'au services offered by cultural practitioners in Honokowai, which has become a hub for women, babies, and families affected by the fire.
The human toll of the wildfires is almost unimaginable. Survivors need help with the trauma they’ve endured, and our partners are providing crisis counseling for survivors as well as first responders. The J Walter Cameron Center is hosting a group of therapists and counselors at a central location to assist in this need. Spirit Horse Ranch is making Trauma Informed Equine Therapy available in addition to other services.
Our island is diverse, and trust is an essential part of healing. Our fund supports Hui No Ke Ola Pono’s Native Hawaiian practitioners as they provide medical outreach, supplies, medicine, radios, batteries, and other essentials to impacted families who need medical assistance.
Some of Maui’s residents with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities live in group homes and were evacuated during the fires. We’re supporting ARC of Maui County’s 24/7 work to house disabled residents in a safe and clean environment and provide meals until they can return to their Lahaina group home.
The fires have left hundreds of cats, dogs, rabbits, horses and other pets and livestock injured or displaced. Our partners at the Hawaii Animal Rescue Foundation are providing food, medical supplies, veterinary care, and housing for these impacted animals.
Na Hoaloha-Maui Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, is using your donation to provide transportation to essential services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, other doctors’ visits, grocery shopping and pharmacy pick-up for fire survivors who lost their vehicles, as well as checking in on older adults who don’t have transportation of their own.
Hale Mahaolu is helping those who have lost their homes, navigate complex insurance and mortgage payment forbearance processes. Habitat for Humanity Maui is assisting fire survivors who have lost their homes and are being charged late fees on their mortgages on homes that have been lost in the fires.
Survivors need identification in order to prove eligibility and access the housing, health care, child care, and other services intended for them. Our partners, including Maui Economic Opportunity, are helping families replace documents lost during the fires such as IDs, drivers’ licenses and passports.
Emergency Financial Assistance for Adults in the Impacted Fire Zones: Just 10 days after the deadly fires in Lahaina, 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. To date, $7.8 million has been paid to over 7,800 fire survivors as the program nears completion.
Giving families the ability to choose what they purchase is empowering. Because Maui is one of the most culturally diverse places in the country, comfort food means different things to different people.
Funded 22 local Nonprofits Focusing Relief Efforts on Unmet Needs
After conducting a needs assessment, Maui United Way awarded grants in four critical focus areas: 1) Keiki and young adults, 2) Mental health, 3) Stable housing, and 4) Job training, education, and employment.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui, Keiki Hub - $10,000.00
The mission at Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawai‘i is to build and support one-to-one relationships for Hawaii’s youth. The Keiki Hub was established by BBBSM to provide a safe place and meaningful experiences for youth residing at Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Center (KHAKO). BBBSM staff, interns and volunteers meet with youth at the Keiki Hub to provide consistency and be positive role models. The mentoring friendships will help them to become the best versions of themselves and embrace higher aspirations and hope for the future.
Hui No'eau, Maui Fire Relief - $10,000.00
Hui No‘eau’s programs support the creative growth and well-being of over 20,000 people, including more than 6,000 keiki annually. Hui No‘eau’s Art with Heart Program provides uplifting arts enrichment activities for children ages 0-18 who were directly impacted by the fires.
Lahaina Arts Guild, We Make Art Happen! - $10,000.00
Lahaina Arts Guild's 'We Make Art Happen!' program is comprised of indoor art instruction, outdoor PaintOut painting, and two Summer Camps for the children. Painting, drawing, and other mediums are all taught by their experienced teachers, usually with the home room teacher present so lessons can be folded into other classroom cultural and scientific projects. They integrate Hawaiian history and cultural talk story whenever possible.
Maui Prepatory Academy, Maui Prep Disaster Relief - $10,000.00
Maui Prep has welcomed over 140 displaced students from the affected Lahaina schools into their school. Their goal is to keep Lahaina students in Lahaina. Allowing a child to attend Maui Prep gives them the opportunity to choose the course of their development, attend the college of their choice, and give back to their community.
Na Keiki O Emalia, Keiki Care and Grief Relief - $10,000.00
Na Keiki O Emalia offers grief support to keiki who have experienced the death of someone important to them and offers training and support to parents who are accompanying their keiki on their grief journey. Through the grant from Maui United Way, Na Keiki O Emalia will open a space on the Westside to conduct community grief support groups for children and their families who are grieving from the wildfire disaster.
Pacific Birth Collective, Maui Fire Relief for Mothers, Babies, and 'Ohana - $10,000.00
The "Maui Fire Relief for Mothers, Babies & `Ohana" program is a vital response to the Maui wildfires' impact on pregnant and postpartum individuals, families, and households. This program aims to enhance maternal and infant health outcomes through comprehensive prenatal and postpartum education, as well as access to essential supplies. By promoting birth equity, it ensures that all affected individuals have access to maternal and family support services, contributing to community resilience and well-being in the wildfire's aftermath.
Pacific Whale Foundation, Support for Keiki after the devastating fires in August - $10,000.00
Pacific Whale Foundation’s Ocean Camp provides an immersive study experience focused on the marine ecosystem, and gives children a moment of reprieve and relief from the stresses caused by the fires. Ocean Camp, which brings campers “eye to fin” with marine animals, is led by in-house education experts, and offers ocean-based experiences on ecotour vessels through PacWhale Eco Adventures.
The Lahaina Dojo of the HONOLULU KI SOCIETY, Lahaina Ki Aikido Replacement Equipment and Supplies - $10,000.00
The Lahaina Ki Aikido was started in the late 1950s in the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission and is open to everyone in Lahaina. Prior to the August 8th fire, keiki made up over 90% of our students. The Lahaina Hongwanji Mission was lost in the fire, including the Lahaina Ki Aikido training space and all of their equipment. Through training, they work with students to develop strong character and good habits in every aspect of their lives.
Underdog Foundation, Gorilla Athletes - $10,000.00
Gorilla Athletes is a beacon of hope and stability for youth aged 8-18 affected by the Lahaina and Kula wildfires, providing a secure environment to regain normalcy through quality athletic training and peer interaction. Led by Jojo Dickson, a former NFL player with extensive experience in strength and conditioning, the program focuses on holistic development, enhancing athletic performance, fostering community, and facilitating educational advancement.
Vernon Patao Mission, Maui Wildfire support for youth athletes - $10,000.00
This program provides access to strength and agility training to the keiki affected by the disastrous wildfires in Lahaina. By funding this program, they can offer them the opportunity to engage in a positive and empowering activity that promotes their physical and mental well-being.
Village of Hope Maui, Fire Relief Journey Bags - $10,000.00
Village of Hope Maui is providing every displaced person, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, a Journey Bag full of essential goods to aid and encourage them in the aftermath of the Maui Wildfires.
Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Maui, Mental Health - $10,000.00
Friends focuses on the lack of specialized therapeutic resources available to the children suffering from trauma. The Friends addresses the most urgent needs of our children, including consistency of therapeutic care.
Haku Baldwin Center, Equine Resilience Program for Maui First Responders - $10,000.00
Haku Baldwin Center is a nonprofit organization operating from Maui's premier equestrian facility, providing equine-assisted services to fire impacted families and individuals, first responders, and military veterans. Current programming includes therapeutic/adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning, and equine-assisted psychotherapy. The benefits are countless, with survey data showing remarkable improvements in the physical, cognitive and/or emotional health and well-being of program participants.
Mental Health Kokua (Maui), Residential and Psycho-social Rehabilitation Services - $10,000.00
Mental Health Kokua offers homeless stabilization housing for adults diagnosed with serious mental illness, adding four psychiatric stabilization beds in Wailuku for homeless adults while triaging supportive housing.
Parents And Children Together, Maui - $10,000.00
PACT offers comprehensive wellness checks and support to those affected by the devastating fires in Maui. They prioritize families directly impacted by the fires, with special attention to caregivers with children, single-parent households, low-income families, children with health challenges, and those with limited support networks, offering custom tailored solutions to meet mental and physical health needs.
Players Philanthropy Fund, The Spirit Horse Ranch - $10,000.00
Spirit Horse Ranch provides trauma-informed care through equine therapy services. Since August 11, the organization has provided free equine therapy sessions with its 15 horses to more than 150 people, including first responders and others impacted by the fires.
Habitat For Humanity Maui, Inc., Staff preparation/Onboarding/Technology - $10,000.00
The "Habitat Maui Disaster Preparedness and Rebuilding Initiative" is a program that not only addresses critical disaster response needs but also highlights its unique focus on underserved populations. Funds will significantly increase staff capacity, enhance technical infrastructure, and prioritize safety training.
Hale Mahaolu, Homeownership & Housing Counseling Program - $10,000.00
Hale Mahaolu's mission is to create and manage vibrant, quality, affordable rental communities and provide supportive programs and services for seniors, families and individuals. They provide self-paced and virtual homebuyer education classes and individualized counseling sessions focusing on foreclosure, pre/post-purchase, non-delinquency, and financial literacy.
Na Hale O Maui, Stable Housing for Lahaina families - $10,000.00
The Maui United Way grant may be modest in size, especially when divided between 15 families, & represents a beacon of hope for the affected families as they work to rebuild their lives and homes. The community’s commitment to providing emergency assistance, including temporary housing and essential supplies, is crucial in helping our families get back on their feet. Collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and government agencies is the smart & effective way to addressing the diverse needs of the community. By working together, we will leverage resources, expertise, and networks to provide comprehensive support to the Maui 'ohana and facilitate a faster recovery process. It's reassuring to witness the commitment to our families that can make a real difference in their lives. The heartfelt outpouring of community support & resilience is both tested and strengthened in times of adversity when organizations and individuals come together to support one another. We truly appreciate the efforts and support of Maui United Way to help these families rebuild their lives & thrive once again.
J WALTER CAMERON CENTER, Cameron Center Laptop Relief Program - $10,000.00
The Maui Laptop Relief Program is dedicated to bridging the digital divide for disaster survivors. This program focuses on providing refurbished laptops to individuals and families who have been displaced or affected by the wildfires. The Maui Laptop Relief Program represents a critical response to a community in need, striving to empower survivors, promote economic stability, and reduce the digital divide created by the wildfires.
KA LIMA O MAUI LTD, Employment services - $10,000.00
Ka Lima O Maui funds will provide services to persons with disabilities in Maui County, which include career education, supported employment, job placement in the community, personal development training, recreation, and community integration. Ka Lima O Maui programs have a profound positive impact on clients’ lives daily, providing an opportunity for adults with a disability to earn income. Additionally, disabled workers whom are employed tend to need far fewer community services than those who are not, freeing up funds to meet other needs.
Maui Family Support Services, Inc., Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki - $10,000.00
Maui Family Support Services supports parents in seeking and maintaining employment, job training, or education by providing childcare subsidy assistance for parents. Subsidy assistance will be used to cover childcare tuition costs in full or in part at licensed childcare providers for children ages zero to five years old.
Maui United Way is proud to announce the recipients of its Mā‘ona Food Security Grant, a new initiative aimed at addressing critical food security challenges in Maui County.
Following the devastating wildfires, Maui United Way reports the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting local organizations that provide access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food for individuals and families—with a special focus on vulnerable populations such as kūpuna (elders) and keiki (children).
Grantee Organizations and Award Amounts:
Common Ground Collective – $200,000
Fresh Help Maui – $75,000
Hale Kipa – $126,000
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawai‘i – $54,000
Hua Momona Foundation – $75,000
Ka Hale Pōmaika‘i – $16,000
Maui Grassroots Collective – $75,000
Nā Hoaloha Interfaith Volunteers – $50,000
ʻOhana Makamae – $150,000
Our Kūpuna – $150,000
Pacific Birth Collective – $54,000
Pacific Cancer Foundation – $25,000
University of Hawai‘i Foundation – Maui – $100,000
Total Funds Awarded: $1,150,000
A panel of community members, including food security experts and representatives of Maui’s diverse populations, carefully evaluated each proposal. Maui United Way prioritized projects with strong community ties, culturally grounded solutions, and innovative strategies to combat food insecurity.
The selected grantees collectively serve a broad range of populations, including kūpuna, keiki, displaced families, and individuals facing barriers to accessing fresh, nutritious food. Funded initiatives include community farming programs, mobile grocery delivery services, and culturally significant food programs aimed at improving health and preserving traditions.
“At Our Kūpuna, we believe food is more than sustenance—it nourishes the body, mind, and spirit,” said Shannon I‘i, Maui Program Coordinator. “Thanks to the Mā‘ona Food Security Grant, we can expand our grocery delivery program to ensure kūpuna impacted by the fires have access to nutrient-dense foods, delivered with aloha. This support will go a long way in keeping our kūpuna fed and cared for.”
“The Mā‘ona Food Security Grant is a cornerstone of Maui United Way’s long-term commitment to helping our community recover and thrive,” said Makana Rosete, Director of Communications, Events, and Advocacy. “Food security is foundational to resilience, and our grantees are stepping up in meaningful, impactful ways to ensure no one in our community is left behind.”
Common Ground Collective's Foster Farm Program has been operating since 2019 but this is the first year we will be scaling up to include installations and maintenance services. Our program currently supports and will continue to support organizations that provide food to all demographics of food insecure individuals including wild fire survivors and fire-impacted residents.These services will help to increase the supply of local produce in our local food system to feed residents.
Fresh Help Maui's mission is to combat food insecurity by providing nutritious meals to vulnerable communities, supporting local fishermen by creating sustainable circular economic opportunities, and educating the community on the importance of sustainable fishing practices. They are dedicated to fostering a resilient and self-sufficient food system that honors Maui's rich cultural heritage and natural resources.The grant will be utilized to directly support wildfire survivors and those impacted by recent wildfires in Maui, with a focus on addressing food insecurity among vulnerable populations by supplying them fresh fish from local fisherman.
Hale Kipa is piloting an innovation solution to food security by developing a freight farm to produce local, fresh produce for Lahaina wildfire survivors. This freight farm utilizes up-cycled shipping containers as a climate-controlled growing facility. It is hydroponic and therefore can produce a large amount of produce in a compact area. This project will provide local youth with work opportunities and workforce development in the green industry. Food boxes will be packed and delivered to Lahaina families that are in need of fresh produce.
The program aims to deliver needed, supplemental groceries to kupuna every 2-4 weeks. 100% of those served will be kupuna, 16% indirectly impacted and 84% directly impacted by the wildfires of 2023. We anticipate 20% of those served will be living with a disability.
ourkupuna.com
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies will expand their current Mana'ai program to include Maui County. They will deliver healthy, nutritious, and local produce to vulnerable families with a particular focus on pregnant and postpartum individuals and kupuna. At least 50% of the families they serve have been directly impacted by the Maui wildfires and the other 50% of the families have been indirectly impacted. Families they serve will also be provided with wrap-around clinical and social services related to their other programming.
The goal of this program is to provide hot meals and/or fresh produce to those who cannot find food, cannot afford to buy food, or who do not want to leave their homes within the burn zone or our residing in hotels. The Community Food Program began about 2 weeks after the fire in August of 2023. They provide hot meals, 3 times a week and additional produce boxes.
Ka Hale Pomaikai provides fresh produce/groceries and meals to residents of Molokai. Molokai was indirectly impacted by the Maui wildfires because resources and funding were rerouted to serve the Maui population. This program serves entire families, 100% of recipients have been impacted by the fire.
The grant will be used to provide continued, essential food supplies to wildfire survivors, prioritizing vulnerable groups such as unsheltered individuals, 'ohana, single parents and kupuna. A key component of this initiative is the foraging and Mahi'ai program run by houseless individuals, which will simultaneously promote food security and reintegration into the community.
Since the wildfires, Na Hoaloha has seen dynamic swings in meal requests, food safety, and security, as well as shopping online with a volunteer fulfillment program. Na Hoaloha expanded the transportation program to include grocery pick-ups, food bank box delivery, medication retrieval and their 'Shop and Drop' format to bridge services to at-home, older adults. Their programs focus on low-income seniors, those living with disabilities, and older adults affected by the 2023 wildfires.
Since the fires, many people have moved back to the Hana Area. There’s been a significant increase of need in food Hana's food bank. They don’t have the resources to serve everybody and nor do they have the transportation to deliver the food to kupuna in the community. Ohana Makamae will purchase a delivery vehicle and expand their food delivery program from twice a month to three times a week. They will offer food preparation classes, free breakfast and after school meal program for keiki and kupuna, and other Hana residents.
ohanamakamae.org
Their program focuses on the unique nutritional needs of pregnancy and postpartum. Mothers and keiki are a primary focus of their programing; however in intergenerational households, they often serve kupuna and disabled individuals as well. Currently, nearly 80% of program participants are from low-income households. They will continue to run their Farm-to-Mother program, launched in July 2024 to address ongoing food security needs, by distributing fresh food boxes to 200+ families a month, 50% of whom are pregnant or have young children.
Pacific Cancer Foundation will distribute 400 food gift cards ($100 each) to cancer patients and their caregivers. Last year, 50% of the 389 patients served were impacted by wildfires. Additionally, Pacific Cancer Foundation will offer free Nutrition Counseling with a Registered Dietitian for cancer patients.
pacificcancerfoundation.org
The Kauluwehi Food Donation project will expand an existing food produce box project to provide fresh produce including lettuce, other seasonal vegetables and locally raised tilapia for direct fire survivors and fire impacted students and their families. The program has donated fresh produce boxes to food insecure families with partner Malama I Ke Ola for 2+ years (since June 2022). The proposed program will scale and grow more fresh produce on campus for direct donations to fire survivors and fire impacted students and their families.
Maui United Way announced the seven Maui nonprofits who are recipients of their new ʻOhana Mental Health Grant — an effort to meet the ongoing mental health needs in the aftermath of the wildfires.
Awardees included:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui: $100,000
- Imua Family Services: $100,000
- Maui Arts and Cultural Center: $100,000
- Maui Youth and Family Services: $100,000
- Nohona Health: $99,504
- Pacific Birth Collective: $100,000
- The Spirit Horse Ranch: $50,000
While the original plan was to award $500,000 in grants, Maui United Way’s Partnership Committee and Board of Directors were so impressed with the breadth and depth of the proposals, they increased the amount by nearly $150,000, the organization announced on Wednesday.
Grantees were selected by a group of Maui-based mental health professionals and community members.
Per Maui United Way, the grantees selected serve both those directly impacted by the fires as well as those indirectly impacted throughout the broader community; they also serve a diverse community from keiki to kūpuna, and special populations such as pregnant mothers. Together, the grantees offer a variety of approaches such as direct clinical services, prevention and intervention.
Organizations were granted a combined total of $649,504 with a year to perform their services from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
“The Maui fires have had a profound mental health impact on individuals, families, and communities, resulting in trauma, grief, loss, and psychological distress,” said Makana Rosete, community impact coordinator for Maui United Way. “The aftermath of disasters often leads to a range of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. We know that many in our community were suffering long before the fires and have worked to respond in an impactful way to support our community.”
'Bridging Positive Youth Development and Social/Emotional Health for Maui' is a proactive response to emerging youth issues, such as mental health awareness and social isolation, ensuring the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui remain at the forefront of youth advocacy. By providing a supportive environment where youth can thrive emotionally and socially, the project empowers them with essential life skills and resilience, reinforcing the organization's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. This project not only enhances the existing work of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui but also expands its scope to address a broader spectrum of youth needs. It represents a comprehensive approach to youth development, emphasizing the importance of holistic well-being. Upon hiring a full time Mental Wellness Specialist BGCM will have the capacity to serve all active members weekly.
BGCMaui.org
Imua Family Services’ (Imua) Infant & Early Childhood Services (IECS) Program provides support to children, ages 0-6, by meeting critical developmental needs while simultaneously supporting their families. Services are related to enhancing the child’s physical, intellectual, social, emotional and linguistic growth. In addition to these early intervention services, IECS provides support to young children through family counseling. The family counseling program is designed to work with children facing mental health and life challenges. Finally, Imua is preparing to absorb the non-profit organization, Na Keiki O Emalia (NKOE). This will become a sub-program under Imua’s IECS program and will continue to provide a vital support system for children navigating grief.
The MACC’s program supports the mental health & well-being of educators in Maui County. The program will partner with community, government, and academic partners to incorporate research-backed methods, including Culturally Responsive Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices. Targeting educators from across Maui County, the program will utilize evidence-based approaches. From July, 2024, to June, 2025, the program aims to host 9 workshops, each attracting around 100 participants, across schools, community venues, and land-based locations. With educators serving as crucial second responders during disasters but often lacking adequate mental health support, this initiative addresses a pressing need in the community.
Our program addresses the urgent mental health needs of youth impacted by wildfires, providing immediate, accessible, and culturally sensitive services. We offer timely therapy, continuity of care, preventative measures, and community integration. Partnering with local schools, non-profits, and health centers, we identify and support affected youth. Our team includes licensed therapists and counselors experienced in trauma-informed care. We ensure sustainability through diversified funding, ongoing partnerships, and continuous donor engagement. Our goal is to foster resilience and well-being in wildfire-impacted youth, ensuring they receive the support they need during this critical period.
Nohona Health presents the OLENA Project, addressing the emotional impact of the 2023 Maui Wildfires through Native Hawaiian traditions. Focused on holistic healing, the project reconnects individuals with 'aina (land) and la'au lapa'au (healing practices). Activities include monthly cultural workshops and quarterly mea kanu (plant) distribution days, facilitated by experienced mahi'ai (caretakers) and local partners. The culturally tailored curriculum ensures relevance and authenticity, promoting cultural preservation and community resilience. OLENA aims to foster long-term well-being and deepen our island’s cultural connections. E malama 'oe i ka 'aina, e malama ka 'aina ia 'oe (Take care of the land, and the land will take care of you).
Pacific Birth Collective aims to extend its established support services to meet the increased mental health needs of disasteraffected families across Maui. With our base in Haiku, HI, and the capability to reach out through our mobile unit and outreach programs, we are uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive and culturally sensitive support. Our primary goal is to mitigate the psychological impact of the wildfires on families, promoting recovery and resilience within the community by providing: Trauma-Informed Counseling, Community Healing Sessions, Postpartum Support, Mobile Health Services, and Outreach & Educational Workshops.
The Spirit Horse Ranch is located in the serene foothills of Haleakala in upcountry Maui. We are a Trauma Informed Care Equine Assisted Services facility that provides long-term Maui Fire Response and Trauma Informed Care Youth Programs. These programs are ongoing and provide comprehensive initiatives aimed at providing healing and building resilience among individuals impacted by the Maui wildfires and individuals who have experienced trauma including: sexual abuse, trafficking, abandonment, generational trauma and addiction. The program utilizes equine-assisted services, trauma-informed care practices, and various therapeutic modalities to address the psychological, and emotional needs of participants of all ages.
Stewarding the $1 million “Sentry Mālama Nā Keiki Initiative.” The purpose of this program is to help children who survived the fires. Teams of mental health professionals meet these children where they are and actively engage with keiki in their environments, whether in temporary housing, shelters, resorts, beaches, and other community locations. It builds on crisis counseling services deployed on the West Side and targets children and families who are currently experiencing houselessness due to being displaced by the fires.
$150,000 in stop-gap emergency food assistance. MUW has provided critical emergency food security funding to help feed over 2,000 fire survivors who had their food allotment reduced to just one meal a day before MUW stepped in with this funding. We are starting a second round of grants totaling $350,000 to meet this critical need.
Construction of the DOE playground, art supplies, and bicycle helmets at the temporary King Kamehameha III School in Lahaina. MUW was one of the first funders, providing $178,000 for playground construction to help keiki have a safe place to just be keiki. Because art can play such an important role in recovery from grief and trauma, we also funded over $10,000 in supplies for the Kamehameha III art room. In addition, Maui United Way provided bike helmets and helped with bicycle safety classes to students who received new bicycles.
Helping to fund and lead Hoʻōla Ia Mauiakama, the Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG)
The biggest concern after the big agencies like FEMA and Red Cross ramp down and ultimately leave a disaster zone is meeting unmet needs. This is one of the core strengths of an LTRG – to collect data and engage in case management work and to make sure our community of survivors do not fall through the cracks. While other nonprofits can tackle certain elements of needed relief, no other entity can provide this more holistic view, which is critical for the best and wisest use of resources. To date, Maui United Way has donated $250,000 to this effort, serves as fiscal sponsor, and has committed senior staff time to help get this group successfully launched.
Building capacity and expanding access to resources one grant workshop at a time. Maui United Way’s team of expert trainers has helped to host seven grant workshops with 286 individuals attending the meetings live with hundreds more accessing the resources afterward. The goal is to demystify the process and expand the pool of desperately needed grant writers and project managers for nonprofits, grassroots organizations and local businesses.
Maui United Way revamped its “Tools for Schools” program to provide $15,000 in gift cards for school supplies to teachers in the schools with the highest percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch across Maui County. Not only does this help the keiki most in need across Maui County, it means less out of pocket costs for our beloved teachers.
Contribute to the operation and staffing of the 2-1-1 Information and Referral Helpline on Maui. This vital service continues to link residents affected by fires with knowledgeable Community Resource Specialists who offer live assistance and connect them to crucial services and information in multiple languages.
Pursuing “data for good.” We continue to assess where there is need for greatest impact and to ensure donor dollars are directed to meet the challenges and gaps experienced by not just fire-survivors but by all residents who are impacted by the wildfires. Assessments include data mapping of nonprofit roles and capacity to determine overlap and pukas, and surveys among the nonprofit community.
Maui United Way is a supporting partner in an extensive county-wide community needs assessment project led by Hawaii State Rural Health Association and funded by the CDC and Hawaii Department of Health. The findings tell a story of despair for many in Maui County. We learned that:
- Over three-quarters (78%) feel more worried than hopeful about their future in Hawaii.
- Six in 10 countywide and 71% of fire survivors are foregoing food because they can’t afford it. Nearly half (49%) of the county says they are worse off financially since the fires – a number that grows to 69% among fire survivors.
- Nearly two-thirds of fire-impacted individuals say their mental health is worse post-fire.
- Most (72%) of county residents say they have been directly (27%) or indirectly (45%) impacted by the fires.
- Due to the high cost of living, especially housing, having money in savings is elusive to many, as is stable housing. They worry about an uncertain future as they ponder moving off island.
- More broadly, we have a health care crisis, especially as it relates to a shortage of providers. A significant number of County residents report delays and inconsistency of care.