Maui Wildfires Response

On Tuesday, August 8th, 2023, a combination of catastrophic drought conditions and strong winds from Hurricane Dora sparked fires on three sides of Maui, Hawaii. The island's regions of Kula, Kihei, and Lahaina were impacted by the fires, and Lahaina was affected the worst. The fires in Lahaina were truly disastrous and deadly, destroying not only wildlife but also the entire town. There are currently 115 confirmed deaths, with many more predicted.  This fire is already the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century. Many buildings, including the historical edifice of the old Lahaina capital, businesses, and hundreds of people's homes, were destroyed.

In times like these, you may be wondering how you can help.  One of the easiest and most impactful ways to help is to donate to organizations that are on the ground providing needed disaster relief.  Monetary donations should only be made to fully vetted sites and organizations.  Charity Navigator provides information on organizations, as well as ratings for more than 9,000 charities. 

Note: While Baylor University is supportive of the relief efforts currently being conducted by these organizations, Baylor University is not affiliated with them.

List of Organizations

The following organizations already have teams working and/or preparing supplies for the region:

• Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement
  • Donated funds will help provide immediate relief to those affected
  • 3 Star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Maui Preparatory Academy
  • Provides support to students and families displaced by the wildfires
  • 4 Star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Hawai’i Community Foundation – Maui Strong Fund
  • Working to support evolving needs, including shelter, food, and financial assistance
  • 4 Star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Maui United Way
  • Providing immediate support for local nonprofits offering disaster relief
  • 4 Star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Maui Food Bank

  • Providing meals for those who have been affected

  • 4 Star rating (Charity Navigator)

• World Central Kitchen
  • Providing meals to evacuees and emergency workers
  • 4 Star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Convoy of Hope
  • Relief supplies are in route to the region
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Matthew 25: Ministries
  • Shipping supplies, including personal care kits, baby supplies, paper products, cleaning supplies, and first aid and safety kits.
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Americares
  • Emergency team deploying and emergency shipments of supplies being sent
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
• American Red Cross
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
• All Hands and Hearts Smart Response
  • Response will include debris removal, distribution of essential supplies and support for those who have been displaced.
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)
• Catholic Charities USA
• Episcopal Relief & Development
  • 4 star rating (Charity Navigator)

Charity Navigator’s list of highly rated nonprofits responding to Maui fire.

Ways to Help

• GIVE - Giving money is one of the best ways you can immediately respond. Support relief agencies that are responding directly to help individuals and communities affected.
• LEARN - Follow news coverage and take time to learn what the needs are. Follow social media and stay tuned to reports from the scene. Responders will be quick to share what is needed (and what is not). Don't show up to volunteer uninvited, as your presence may interfere with recovery efforts and distract responders. Once you learn what the needs are, there are several ways you can help (e.g., donate blood, hold a collection drive for requested items, etc.)
• PREPARE - Do you have a desire to be more hands-on? Consider training to become a disaster response volunteer. Invest in learning valuable skills, knowledge, and protocol so that agencies can deploy you to help when disaster strikes.
• PRAY - Lift up the individuals, families, and communities affected in prayer. Pray for God's comfort and mercy, His healing and protection, His relief and restoration. Recovery is often a long-term process and continues long after the media leaves.

Additional Resources

Do your research to determine if organizations are legitimate. Charity Navigator lists reputable organizations. Great Nonprofits and Give Well have reviews of nonprofit groups and can help you see how much of your money goes directly to relief.

Baylor University's Hawaii Club is available to answer any questions you may have and can be reached at baylorhawaiiclub@gmail.com.

Prayer Service for Maui

Baylor Spiritual Life and the Baylor Hawaii Club are hosting a prayer service for the island of Maui on Tuesday, August 22 at 4:00pm in the Elliston Chapel. This is a great opportunity to pray for our neighbors in Maui and spread awareness.