How to Help Victims of Wildfires in Hawai’i

On Tuesday, August 8, deadly wildfires began burning in Hawai’i, killing nearly 100 people and forcing thousands to evacuate. The massive blaze destroyed much of the historic town Lahaina – which is located on Maui – and has caused close to $6 billion in preliminary damages. Hawai’i Governor Josh Green said that there is “very little left” of Lahaina, where more than 2,700 structures have been destroyed. It is now the deadliest US wildfire in more than a century.

Several organizations are on the ground to assist residents as they begin the recovery process. Local community members that are eager to help the recovery efforts assisting the wildfire’s victims may be interested in supporting one or more of the nonprofits delivering aid listed here. The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana provides this list as a starting point for those wishing to learn more about how to assist and has verified that each organization listed here is a U.S. 501c3 public charity.

We will continue to update this list as we learn more in the coming days.

Hawai’i Community Foundation

The Maui Strong Fund is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery for the devastating wildfires on Maui. The Hawai’i Community Foundation will not be collecting a fee for donations to the Maui Strong Fund; 100-percent of the funds will be distributed for community needs.

Please visit HCF’s website for more information. If you still have questions, contact Donor Services at mailto:donorservices@hcf-hawaii.org or (808) 566-5560. Donors can also give now via PAYPAL.

SOS International

SOS is currently working to get a list of needs for those affected by the devastating fires in Hawai’i. Once gathered, relief items will be transported to a partner organization in Hawai’i, which will help cover the gaps of needs not met by aid. To support SOS International and their mission, you can donate to their organization, which you can access by clicking here. In the Memo line, please write ‘Hawaii Wildfire Relief’.

American Red Cross

More than 220 trained American Red Cross disaster workers — from Maui, other Hawai’ian islands and all corners of the country — are helping now with more on their way. Disaster workers are also virtually helping people affected by the fires.

In partnership with the county government, trained Red Cross disaster workers are supporting emergency shelters on the islands of Maui and Oahu. The shelter on Oahu is helping Maui residents and tourists that fled in search of safety from the fires. Since the fires began, the Red Cross and partners have provided more than 3,300 overnight shelter stays.

To help people affected by the Hawaii wildfires, please visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation.