Malteser International Americas Partners with Maui Disaster Relief Aid

NEW YORK - Nov. 27, 2023 - PRLog -- Malteser International Americas Partners with Maui Disaster Relief to Aid Wildfire Survivors

Maui, Hawaii - Amidst the aftermath of the catastrophic Lahaina and Kula wildfires that swept through Maui on August 8, 2023, Malteser International Americas, the humanitarian relief agency of the Order of Malta, has raised $250,000 in funds dedicated to this critical cause. These funds are channeled to support the Maui Disaster Relief, in partnership with the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church.

The primary objective of this initiative is to offer financial support to the survivors of the Lahaina and Kula wildfires in Maui. With a focused commitment towards vetting and qualifying more than 1,500 financial relief applicants by December 2023, the project aims to alleviate the immense challenges faced by the survivors and provide economic relief for a variety of situations critical to their re-building process.

The repercussions of the wildfires have been staggering. Families have not only lost their homes and possessions but also grapple with ongoing financial burdens, encompassing mortgage payments, vehicle replacement costs, utility bills, and the transition to temporary housing or rentals.

The reduction in tourism has led to job losses, forcing many survivors to subsist on reduced unemployment benefits that fall significantly short of their previous incomes. In some cases, families have been left without medical benefits, resulting in exorbitant healthcare costs.

The evolving situation demands attention as survivors transition into long-term temporary housing, necessitating essential household items like kitchenware, bedroom furniture, and bathroom supplies. The critical funds will also help alleviate many of the financial challenges and enable the survivors to rebuild, by being able to purchase supplies and tools that can help them with these efforts.

The collaboration between Malteser International Americas and the Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church Maui Disaster Relief Team stands as a testament to the power of compassion, unwavering dedication, and collective action. Together, and thanks to the support from the Order of Malta that provides emergency and disaster relief through Malteser International Americas, these organizations tirelessly work to help survivors reconstruct their lives, underscoring the resilience and solidarity of the Maui community in times of adversity.

For more information, please contact: Communications and Marketing Manager for Malteser International Americas, Ximena Greenhouse, Ximena.greenhouse@maleteser-international.org