Here are ways to support the people on Maui gathered from Episcopal Church sources.
The cover photo is a picture of the painting of the Madonna and Child at Holy Innocents Church in Lahaina, Maui Island. It was painted by Delos Blackmar in 1940. It was probably destroyed in the fire.
Episcopal Relief & Development (updated information, August 18, 2023)
Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with the Diocese of Hawaii in the wake of wildfires that have killed at least 55 people and displaced hundreds of families on Maui.
High winds from Hurricane Dora and drought conditions combined to accelerate the growth of brush fires earlier this week. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed and power and cell service is out in much of the area. The town of Lahaina, which was once the royal capital of Hawaii, was hit hard and it is presumed that Holy Innocents Episcopal Church was destroyed.
“The Diocese of Hawaii is assessing the needs of their community as the damage and long-term effects of this disaster become clearer,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We stand by ready to support the Diocese as they mobilize local assets and ministries to respond to the immense need.”
Please pray for the people impacted by the fires. Donations to the Hawaiʻi Support Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.
About Episcopal Relief & Development
For more than 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for close to 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi (updated information, August 18, 2023)
From the Right Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop of Hawaiʻi, excerpted from a pastoral letter from August 17, 2023
One thing that I was told repeatedly on Maui was that financial donations are most needed right now. The system has been inundated with “stuff.” Storage is at a premium, and the facilities and people for sorting are at a premium. So, right now, I urge churches to discontinue collecting items to send to Maui. Please make monetary collections. That may change as the recovery continues, but right now, send money.
As a Diocese, you can help in three ways using the Diocesan Donation Link. This is a current corrected link! Do not use the link in communication dated before to August 15.
- “A Cup of Cold Water” is the Diocesan ministry to the houseless that is coordinating with the Maui clergy and other agencies and groups to care for the immediate needs of the displaced.
- Through the “Bishop’s Pastoral Fund,” money will be collected to address recovery needs in the community and to help the congregation help others
- The “Ministry of Holy Innocents, Lahaina,” will help those from the impacted congregation and to help keep God’s people together. These funds will not be used for rebuilding (this is a consideration for the future), but only for ministry to people at this time.
Alternatively, checks can be made out to “The Episcopal Church in Hawaiʻi” with the designated fund noted in the memo, and mailed to The Episcopal Church in Hawaiʻi, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813.
Any money collected will go to the direct support of people impacted or those agencies serving them, and not for administration of the Diocese or congregations.
Read the complete pastoral letter from Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick of Hawaiʻi
List compiled by St. James’ Church, Waimea (Kamuela) on Hawaiʻi Island
This is edited from the sources listed in their parish newsletter for Friday, August 11, 2023.
Financial Donations: Consider donating to the following funds that are specifically focused on aiding Maui during this challenging time:
- Hawaii Community Foundation Maui Strong fund: Focusing on rapid response and working with local nonprofits to understand community needs.
- Maui Food Bank: Collecting and distributing food to help the hungry in Maui County.
- Maui Humane Society: Supporting shelters for displaced people and animals, and caring for injured animals. Emergency fosters also sought.
- Maui United Way: Providing direct relief to families and nonprofits.
- Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: Matching up to $1 million in donations for Maui fire victims as of Thursday afternoon.
- World Central Kitchen: Providing meals to people in need by partnering with local organizations.
Beware of Fraud: It’s crucial to stay vigilant against potential exploitation. Unfortunately, some may take advantage of the situation. Be cautious of fraudulent activities. Refer to FEMA’s Disaster Fraud information.
Information and Updates
- Maui County Civic Alerts website: For the latest updates and info directly from Maui County. Stay informed about the ongoing situation and recovery efforts.
- Reunification Assistance: The Red Cross offers a helpline for individuals seeking reunification assistance. If you’re looking for information about loved ones, please call +1 (800) 733-2767.
- Stay Informed: For updates on individuals accounted for and unaccounted for, visit the Maui Fires People Locator that is updated throughout the day.
A prayer for those facing wildfires
O God, our refuge and strength,
our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the lands
damaged by fires.
Have mercy on the lands
where the weather has destroyed livelihoods.
Protect those who evacuate houses,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope
so that entire communities
may face the future without fear.
Amen.
from Episcopal Relief & Development
Church of the Redeemer
Church of the Redeemer: Worshiping God, living in community, and reaching out to the world around us. We are an Episcopal Church serving north King County and south Snohomish County, Washington. As you travel your road, go with friends walking the way of Jesus at Redeemer.
Church of the Redeemer is at 6210 Northeast 181st Street in Kenmore, Washington. The campus is a short distance north of Bothell Way, near the Burke-Gilman Trail. The entrance looks like a gravel driveway. The campus is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. And we managed to hide a large building on the side of a hill that is not easily seen from the street.
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
