×
×
homepage logo

Maui Disaster Relief Fund focusing on timely aid to wildfire victims

By Staff | Oct 12, 2023

Toni Rojas serves as director of Maui Disaster Relief, a joint initiative by the Hawai`i Catholic Community Foundation and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wailuku. The fund aims to provide critical assistance to those affected by the Aug. 8 Lahaina and Kula wildfires.

Applications to the Maui Disaster Relief Fund have been suspended after an overwhelming response of more than 1,500 applications, according to Toni Rojas, director, Maui Disaster Relief. The fund began receiving online applications Oct. 1.

“Our goal is to get financial assistance quickly into the hands of those most in need in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires,” said Rojas. “Now, our work needs to shift gears into processing applications for immediate needs such as financial assistance for shelter, food, water, rentals and utilities. “

The suspension of new applications will allow the fund to streamline its efforts and expedite assistance to wildfire victims. Applications are being reviewed, and notifications will be provided over the next 30 to 60 days with qualified payouts following.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding of the abundance of applications received so far. We remain deeply committed to providing support to the residents of Maui who have been impacted by this tragedy,” Rojas said. “Our top priority is to address the immediate needs of the victims, and this suspension will help us do that more effectively.”

Applicants are asked not to call to follow-up. If an applicant received an e-mail confirmation after submission online, please be assured that the application has been received and is being processed.

The fund will re-evaluate the situation and consider reopening applications if funds remain available after the processing of requests for help so far. The community will be notified when new applications will be accepted.

The Hawai`i Catholic Community Foundation and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church extend their gratitude to all those who have shown their support and compassion for those impacted by the wildfires. The foundation and Maui’s Catholic churches remain dedicated to helping Maui residents recover from the Lahaina and Kula wildfires.

To donate, go to stanthonymaui.org and click on the Maui Disaster Relief Fund donate button.