~ Phase 2 of the Maui Fire Disaster Relief - Maui United Way is moving forward with grants for nonprofit organizations providing relief efforts between November 2023 and January 2024.
~ Four Critical Focus Areas - Phase 2 aims to provide crucial support to individuals and families in the following areas:
~ 20 Nonprofit Grants Already Awarded - During Phase 1, Maui United Way distributed funds to organizations aiding survivors with:
~ $3.111 Million sent for relief efforts through Aloha United Way's Maui Wildfire Relief Fund.
~ 7,000 Survivors have received $1,000 in emergency financial assistance.
Photo Credit ~ Lahaina Arts GuildHow the Maui Wildfires Impacted Our Community
On August 8th, 2023, devastating wildfires began on the island of Maui, Hawaii. Spreading rapidly due to high winds, the fires consumed over 2,000 acres of land, damaged or completely destroyed more than 3,000 structures, and took 97 members of the community.
As news spread to other islands, our community members took immediate action responding to the tragic events any way possible. Donations were being collected, local community hubs (like a grassroots Costco) were organized, and an overwhelming number of residents offered their support through financial donations.
The global community, too, demonstrated its unwavering support by swiftly offering resources and providing a collective surge of uplifting energy. This outpouring of assistance continues to inspire us during this challenging time.
As we move forward on the path to recovery, we will continue to keep you updated on how your donations are assisting the residents of Maui on this several year long journey.
Photo Credit ~ Maui RecoversAloha United Way's Partnership with Maui United Way
Although Aloha United Way and Maui United Way operate as separate organizations focusing on respective, localized efforts, we have always worked closely as partners with the goal of lifting the wellbeing of all the Hawaiian Islands.
As Aloha United Way, we were able to respond immediately to the disaster by creating a fund, facilitating thousands of calls for assistance that came through our 211 statewide helpline and sending equipment and team members to assist Maui United Way with relief efforts.
A special message from Nick Winfrey, the President and CPO of Maui United Way:
If the video isn't playing ~ Click Here to view this video on YouTube.
Click Here to view our full, 10-minute Q&A with Nick.
Photo Credit ~ Maui United WayHow Your Contributions Are Making an Impact
With the help of Aloha United Way’s administrative support, Maui United Way launched the direct cash assistance program offering $1,000 per individual and up to $5,000 per household within days of the disaster.
A total of 7,000 applications have been processed for cash assistance recipients. And a combined total of $7 Million has been distributed to survivors.
Beyond direct financial assistance, Maui United Way has awarded 18 grants to nonprofit agencies supporting a variety of services, including locally grown food, transportation, mortgage and insurance assistance, help replacing identification, crisis counseling, childcare, and healthcare services.
Photo Credit ~ Maui Recovers
AUW 211
Aloha United Way's 211 Resource Helpline is available to everyone in Hawaiʻi, providing direct referrals to over 4,000 social service resources available in the state. On a normal day, 211 Specialists can expect to receive around 100 calls from individuals looking for assistance finding resources for financial aid, housing, or health services.
The Impact on ALICE households
Aloha United Way's continued research of ALICE data in Hawaiʻi is crucial to helping track and monitor the wellbeing of the whole state.
ALICE research gives power to the state's government, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, and individuals in the form of accurate data, relevant standards of measurement, and insight to where action is most necessary.
Notes of Aloha from Around the World
