Editor’s Note: Philanthropy Roundtable is providing a list of organizations offering relief to those affected by the wildfires in Hawaii. However, please be aware the Roundtable has not vetted all of these organizations, and we simply list them here for your review and consideration.
This month’s wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, are the deadliest in the United States in more than a century, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Catastrophic winds from Hurricane Dora, passing hundreds of miles south of the islands, blew wildfires across highways with winds as high as 81 mph. The flames engulfed homes and forced residents to flee for their lives. According to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, the death toll of 111 victims as of August 17 could double as firefighters and rescue personnel search for those missing. It is estimated that 2,200 structures have been destroyed, with 86% of those being residential, and hundreds of families have been displaced. In the wake of a staggering amount of damage and loss of life, many of us are eager to help with response and recovery efforts that will be needed for years to come.
At Philanthropy Roundtable, we promote charitable giving to organizations that respond to disasters in a timely and targeted manner and in a way that reflects our shared values. If you are looking for ways to give, please consider the following organizations:
Convoy of Hope partners with local organizations including churches, businesses, civic organizations and government agencies to strategically offer help and hope around the world. Convoy is responding to the wildfires by delivering relief supplies as communities grapple with the disaster.
Hawaii Community Foundation: Maui Strong Fund
The Hawaii Community Foundation has created the Maui Strong Fund to directly aid those impacted by the devastating wildfires. According to the Maui Strong Fund, 100% of all donations will go directly toward community needs with a focus on rapid response and recovery.
Matthew 25 Ministries, an “international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization helping the poorest of the poor and disaster victims locally, regionally, nationally and internationally,” is responding to the wildfires by shipping essential supplies such as personal care kits, baby supplies, paper products, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment and more to areas impacted by the fires. Matthew 25 Ministries is also deploying a team to assist with supply distribution and work with local partners to plan for ongoing needs.
Maui Food Bank is accepting monetary donations, or you can sign up to host a virtual food drive with your community, school or business. They are also accepting volunteers for food collection and distribution in Hawaii. Click here for a list of requested food item donations.
Operation Blessing International
Operation Blessing International focuses on alleviating human suffering in the U.S. and around the world, providing “hunger relief, clean water, medical care and disaster relief to millions.” Operation Blessing has a team on the ground in Hawaii delivering items to those in need such as tents, clothing, hygiene supplies, generators, grills and propane, lanterns and more.
The Salvation Army, which assists approximately 23 million Americans annually, has launched a widespread effort to provide food and other essential items and services to those affected by the wildfires. The Salvation Army is coordinating thousands of meals and shelters are offering refuge to those displaced.
Samaritan’s Purse, an evangelical Christian organization, has response teams on the ground spearheading relief efforts and volunteer teams on standby to help homeowners in the most devastated communities sift through their possessions. Samaritan’s Purse is also flying in tons of relief supplies using its rapid response aircraft.
We will continue to monitor the response and relief efforts, and will provide additional resources to the Roundtable community as they’re available.
Additional advising on this topic is available to members of the Roundtable donor community. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
