How To Help Hawaii Wildfire Survivors Right Now
The Hawaii wildfires are some of the deadliest the United States has seen in years, devastating entire towns and villages, including the historic Lahaina.
As of this writing, the blazes across Maui and the Big Island have killed at least 55, trapped thousands of tourists and displaced hundreds of residents. The full extent of the damage isn't yet known, authorities warn, and hospitals are reportedly already overwhelmed with patients seeking treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
Knowing how to help Hawaii wildfire survivors can be tricky. While there are efforts to join on the ground if you're local to the area, for the rest of the world, the biggest aid is through funding—but you have to do it carefully. While many people want to help those impacted, there is a risk of scams that can create financial victims out of well-meaning individuals. Three key ways to protect yourself:
Avoid donating through links on social media, email or text messages.
Donate directly through a charity's official website.
Check for a lock icon in the address bar, which indicates a secure connection.
Donating to the verified charities below will go a long way when it comes to helping Hawaii wildfire victims and survivors.
Related: How to Protect Your Mental Health Amid Devastating News
How To Help Hawaii Wildfire Victims and Survivors
Airlink provides transportation to relief workers and first responders, as well as to deliver necessary supplies to those in need.
The American Red Cross is accepting donations to support the Hawaii wildfire relief efforts. Hawaiian residents shopping at Foodland can also donate up to $249 to the American Red Cross at checkout.
Convoy of Hope is delivering aid and relief to those impacted by the Hawaii wildfires.
Direct Relief is providing triage medical care and supplies on the ground in Hawaii.
The Hawaii Community Foundation has a Maui Strong Fund specifically to help Maui wildfire survivors.
Related: How to Make the Most of Your Charitable Giving
Donating to the Maui Food Bank will provide meals to displaced families and residents.
Help displaced pets find emergency fosters and get the food, shelter and medical care they need with a donation to the Maui Humane Society.
Maui Mutual Aid provides food, shelter and relief to residents in dire need, including elderly and disabled persons who may not have easy access to help or evacuation.
The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division is accepting donations to provide food and aid to displaced Hawaiians.
United Way's Honolulu division is supporting relief efforts in Maui.
