Supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi after Wildfires
Episcopal Relief & Development Partners with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi to Assist Unhoused and Displaced People After Maui Fires
Press Release
August 31, 2023
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi to provide cash assistance, housing and relocation support after brush fires on Maui devastated the island on August 8, 2023.
The deadly fires that swept through Lahaina and Kula claimed over one hundred lives with hundreds still missing. The majority of homes and community gathering places have been destroyed and thousands of people have been displaced. Affected communities have lost homes, jobs, transportation, family and friends. Many of the survivors also suffered injuries while escaping.
In partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development and the Diocese of Hawaiʻi, A Cup of Cold Water is expanding its efforts to support both chronically and newly unhoused people on Maui. Together, the organizations are working to provide cash assistance for necessities including food, power, hygiene supplies, medical supplies and home goods. They are also continuing to provide temporary housing and meet transportation and relocation needs for survivors.
In the immediate aftermath of the fires, through collaboration with local organizations including A Cup of Cold Water, the Diocese has fed displaced people, provided medical and pastoral care and given support as people fill out forms for assistance. A Cup of Cold Water, a ministry formed by several Episcopal churches on Maui, serves unhoused people and other people affected by poverty. The ministry regularly provides food, clothing and hygiene products throughout the island.
Since the early phases of the disaster, Episcopal Relief & Development has provided technical support and guidance to the diocese. This includes needs assessment support and helping the diocese to set up community-engaged, asset-based short and long term recovery projects.
“Episcopal Relief & Development has been a companion to the diocese and affected communities since the beginning of this disaster,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We will remain a resource and active participant as they transition to meeting longer term needs for housing, employment and counseling.”
During this time of crisis, please stay up to date with local advice regarding travel, volunteer opportunities and community requests. Please pray for the people impacted by the fires. Donations to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Response Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.
Supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi After Wildfires
Web Update
August 23, 2023
Episcopal Relief & Development is in frequent communication with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, providing needs assessment support and other assistance on Maui and other islands in response to the recent deadly wildfires.
The Diocese of Hawaiʻi has been working with the local government, faith groups and local nonprofits including A Cup of Cold Water to feed displaced people, provide medical and pastoral care and give support as people fill out forms for assistance.
A Cup of Cold Water, a ministry formed by several Episcopal churches on Hawaiʻi, is a van ministry that serves unhoused people and other people affected by poverty. The ministry provides food, clothing and hygiene products throughout the island.
In solidarity with the local government and people, Episcopal Relief & Development is strongly encouraging people who live in the continental United States to not travel to Hawaiʻi or send in-kind donations at this time. Instead, please pray with the people of Hawaiʻi as they grieve and consider making a donation to the Hawaiʻi Emergency Response Fund that will support the wildfires response work.
Supporting the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi after Wildfires
Web Statement
August 11, 2023
Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi 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 Hawaiʻi 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 Emergency Response Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.
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.
