One year later, Lahaina continues to recover and credit unions continue to assist
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August 8, 2024, marks the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires. On this day in 2023, wildfires destroyed the historic town of Lahaina and ravaged about two dozen homes in Upcountry neighborhoods. At least 102 Lahaina residents were killed in the infernal, the deadliest of its kind in more than a century. Two more residents are believed to be missing. Many were forced to run for their lives, some jumping into the ocean as the only escape with vehicular traffic clogging the main roads of the historic town.
Over 12,000 residents lost everything – homes, businesses, and family – and left Lahaina and its people forever changed. Out of the incomprehensible tragedy credit unions came through with strength and determination. From the beginning of the disaster and continuing on to this day, the people-helping-people philosophy that drives the credit union movement is lighting the way.
In the aftermath of the disaster, The Maui Wildfire Relief Fund was quickly established and donations came in from people across the state and the nation. Currently, $1,472,098, has been raised. In the days and weeks after the fire, these funds were used for immediate needs, such as food, water, 300 gift cards ($50 each), gas gift cards, and financial support for emergency burn and respiratory aid. The funds were also used to purchase 150 cases of bottled water for Upcountry residents. The Maui Wildfire Fund included a $ 1 million grant from FHLB for housing needs, which will be disbursed soon.
On December 14, 2023, the Credit Unions of Maui & Lanai presented $50,000 to the J. Walter Cameron Center on behalf of the Credit Unions of Maui Wildfire Relief Fund. The donation supports Cameron Center’s Laptop Relief Program which distributes personal computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones to wildfire survivors who lost their homes. The program has distributed hundreds of devices to those in need.
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