Resources For Maui Fire Survivors: Where To Get Help
Not sure where to start looking for help getting back on your feet? Start here.
Government agencies and nonprofits have stepped up to serve people who have been affected or displaced by the Aug. 8 fires on Maui.
While there are many resources available for people who need help, there are numerous forms, links and applications to track down. Here’s a list of the most critical resources available to Maui.
Apply For FEMA Assistance To Cover Losses
Federal Emergency Management Agency officials activated assistance for victims of wildfires in Hawaii on Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023.
The fastest way to get help is by applying for assistance at disasterassistance.gov, according to FEMA. You can also sign up using FEMA’s mobile app or by calling its helpline at 800-621-3362.
There is no charge for applying for assistance or, if necessary, an assessment made by a FEMA inspector.
And remember: If you have insurance for your rental, home or car, start with your insurance company first. FEMA will not duplicate insurance benefits for losses.
Cash Assistance For Maui Fire Victims
Fire victims are eligible for assistance including an immediate $700 per person cash payment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Another $1,000 is available through Maui United Way, plus $1,200 monthly for all adults in the affected area through the People’s Fund of Maui, launched by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Disaster Unemployment Insurance In Hawaii
Call the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations at 808-762-5751 or 833-901-2272.
Call center hours were extended from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily as of Aug. 15.
Find Housing On Maui
The state is looking to connect more than 1,000 people and families who lost their homes in the Maui fires with people who have available housing units through its housing relief program.
See a map of available units and fill out an application for renters. Read FAQs about the program.
Find A Missing Person On Maui
The county has opened a family assistance center for people looking for loved ones who have not been accounted for. Visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Recovery Center from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 310 W. Kaahumanu Ave. in Kahului.
Immediate family members of missing people are encouraged to visit the center to take a DNA test to assist in identification, the county said. Make an appointment by calling 808-270-7771 or sending an email to FAC@mauicounty.gov. Family members on a neighbor island may call the Federal Bureau of Investigation Honolulu at 808-566-4300 or email HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov.
Anyone searching for a missing loved one may also call the Red Cross at 800-733-2767. For the Red Cross number, press 4, be prepared to follow prompts for the Maui Wildfires, and be ready to leave contact information for someone to call you back. The FBI is also asking people to file a missing persons report at (808) 566-4300 or HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov.
You might check the county’s official list of people who remain unaccounted for or the “Maui Fires People Locator” list that’s been making the rounds on social media — it contains the names of thousands who have been found and have yet to be located. Discussion about these grassroots efforts can be found on this Facebook page.
Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement Resource Hub
The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement opened its Kākoʻo Maui Resource Hub to help people impacted by the fires apply for aid and other services. Visit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at Maui Mall in Kahului (70 E. Kaahumanu Ave.).
The council seeks to take a cultural approach to serving victims and quell concerns of people who are wary of working directly with the government, CNHA said in a statement. It’s run by Lahaina resident Kukui Keahi, who lost her home and job due to the fires.
CNHA said other resources available include:
- Foodland vouchers.
- Air purification systems.
- Rotating nonprofit and government representatives from agencies and organizations that address matters such as aid, loans, legal assistance, education and health.
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