As we witness the devastation of western Maui from wildfires, many in western Colorado are wondering how they can help. In times of crisis, understanding what organizations to support can feel overwhelming. Our Community Foundation relies on and encourages our fund holders to reference Charity Watch and Charity Navigator to direct funding to legitimate, efficient, and accountable organizations.
Below is a short list of organizations vetted by our philanthropic peers. Please contact WCCF’s Director of Programs and Special Projects, Emily Orbanek at eorbanek@wc-cf.org.
Aloha Diaper Bank
Aloha Diaper Bank is working closely with Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, the National Guard and other grassroots partners to get the diapers into the hands of those with the most urgent need. The organization anticipates delivering diaper assistance to more than 4,000 families. Visit the Aloha Diaper Bank’s website to learn more.
Hawaii Community Foundation
Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) has established the Maui Strong Fund, which is providing financial resources that can be deployed quickly, with a focus on rapid response and recovery. HCF is working in close collaboration with state and county leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community members to understand the quickly evolving priorities and highest needs of the people affected by wildfires. Funding will support evolving needs, including shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services as identified by partners doing critical work on the ground. Visit the Hawaii Community Foundation’s website to learn more.
Hospice Maui
Hospice Maui is currently assisting West Maui with medical relief and support for those most severely affected. This includes transporting medicine and medical supplies while offering support to families in the neighborhoods that are sheltering in place or stranded. Hospice Maui is coordinating with local authorities and organizations. In addition to this work, Hospice Maui staff are already providing trauma and grief counseling and medical care in the shelters in Wailuku and Kahului, and will establish phone support and support groups over the next few weeks and months. Visit Hospice Maui’s website to learn more.
Maui United Way
Maui United Way (MUW)is responding to immediate needs via daily grant approvals to existing grassroots organizations that are local and focused on basic needs. MUW’s work is guided by a deep desire to increase equity and decrease long-standing disparities for communities, including the Asian American Pacific Island populations, especially native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders. 100% of donations to MUW will stay in Hawaii. Visit Maui United Way’s website to learn more.
Maui Food Bank
Maui Food Bank is working diligently to supply relief to those in needs through food-drives, volunteers and food collection and distribution. Visit Maui Food Bank’s website to learn more.
Maui Humane Society
Maui humane Society is providing pet supplies and emergency shelters so owners and pets can stay together. The organization is also coordinating efforts to locate missing pets and return them to their owners. Visit the Maui Humane Society’s website to learn more.
