As the country celebrates Labor Day, it’s no holiday for thousands of people on Maui who for weeks have lived with incredible trauma and devastation after the tragic wildfires that changed their lives forever. Hundreds of American Red Cross disaster workers are there, working tirelessly to deliver compassionate and equitable care to the many who are picking up the pieces.
The Red Cross is committed to supporting the community through this difficult period, ensuring residents who cannot return home have a safe place to stay, food to eat and emotional support.
Together, the Red Cross and the county government have provided more than 57,800 overnight emergency shelter and hotel stays on Maui and Oahu. We are coordinating with the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and FEMA to care for displaced residents in hotels. This temporary solution will give families and individuals a comfortable and safe place to stay near their community while longer-term plans are developed.
The Red Cross is supporting these families and individuals throughout their hotel stays with meals, casework and emotional support. To inquire about hotel emergency lodging, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
RED CROSS RESPONSE The Red Cross is working with our partners to provide meals, disaster health and mental health services, and spiritual care to help families and individuals begin the recovery process.
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Since the fires began, more than 750 trained Red Cross disaster workers have deployed to Hawaii or helped virtually.
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With the help of partners, we have provided almost 275,300 meals and snacks to people in need.
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The Red Cross is supporting a Family Assistance Center at the Hyatt Regency in Kaʻanapali on Maui where people can get food and water, receive emotional and spiritual care, access health services and casework assistance, obtain updates from authorities, and receive support finding loved ones.
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The Red Cross is supporting reunification requests and is coordinating with government partners to assist in locating people. To date, we have received more than 3,000 welfare information requests and have successfully completed most of those requests.
Help people affected by disasters like fires, tornadoes, and countless other crises, by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
For those interested in helping people specifically affected by the Hawaii wildfires, you can complete the mail in donation form, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word HAWAII to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.
FIND LOVED ONES If you need assistance locating a missing loved one due to the current disaster, please call 1-800 RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) and select Option 4. Follow the voice prompts for “Hawaii Wildfires.”
Provide as much detail as possible to assist us in potentially locating your missing loved one. Please note call volume is high and callers may experience longer wait times.
DONATION OF ITEMS Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected — and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most. The Red Cross will not accept donations of clothing or household items, as these types of donations divert resources away from our mission — whereas financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected. Those interested in donating or in need of supplies should visit www.mauinuistrong.info.
CLIMATE CRISIS The fires were fueled by a combination of strong winds and drought conditions on the islands. Globally, the climate crisis is increasing the intensity of extreme heat, droughts and hurricanes.
Wildfires — along with the ongoing heat wave ─ are clear examples of how the intensity of climate-rated disasters is worsening. As these extreme weather disasters increase, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis here.
GOOD TO KNOW This is a difficult time for everyone affected and it’s important for people to connect with and support each other. If you or a loved one needs help, reach out through the Disaster Distress Helpline for free 24/7 support by calling 1-800-985-5990.
We encourage people affected by these wildfires to apply for federal Disaster Assistance at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service. You may be eligible for a variety of support including financial or housing assistance.
