Credit: Robert Gauthier/Getty Images 1601912968
In the wake of the devastating fire that ravaged Lahaina, Maui, in August, a rallying cry was heard in communities near and far. It was a call for support, solidarity and a collective effort to contribute to the reconstruction of this historic city. And among those who answered that call were the compassionate and proactive members of MoveOn.
When disaster struck, MoveOn members came together, demonstrating the power of collective action and empathy. Through a concerted fundraising initiative, nearly $200,000 was raised to assist a community organization, the Maui Community Power Recovery Fund (MCPRF), in its tireless efforts toward recovery and building resilience.
This substantial contribution, representing more than a quarter of the MCPRF’s total funding, is of immense importance. Not only does it facilitate immediate material assistance to those affected by the fire, but it also serves as the basis for long-term strategies aimed at tackling the root causes, including combating climate change and strengthening the resilience of Maui faces future challenges.
The Maui Community Power Recovery Fund’s commitment to not only rebuilding but fortifying the community against future adversities echoes a broader sentiment: a reminder of the strength found in solidarity and collective action. Every contribution, every gesture of support becomes a building block in restoring hope and resilience. Here’s a look at what MCPRF told us they’ve done, fueled by support from across the country:
- Facilitated a series of meetings with community leaders to guide a shared game plan and identity, which became the »Lahaina Forte» initiative.
- Made up of people from the community, representing a range of different skills (operations, community organizing, videography, etc.).
- Accomplished »needs assessments» through in-person canvases at community meetings and in hotels. We coordinated »tagnawa» events with volunteer Ilocano and Tagalog translators to connect more than 1,500 Filipino survivors to benefits that were falling through the cracks with FEMA and the Red Cross. We also helped found Roots Reborn, an organization that helps Maui’s Spanish-speaking and Filipino immigrants, many of whom are undocumented. Other partners in this effort include Help Maui Rise and the Hawaii Workers Center.
- Created a system to connect people to the right service providers through SMS, emails and automated calls addressing their needs in real-time.
- We held recovery listening sessions, in coordination with council members, and engaged thousands of people in various hearings, including distributing 1,500 shirts to people testifying or volunteering. Dozens of press clips to date. Here’s one!
- He called for extended aid so service workers aren’t forced back to work and secured $100 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds and FEMA block grant extensions.
- Pushed to extend West Maui’s reopening to tourism on Oct. 8, gaining support from local political leaders. Here is our petition delivery!
- Planning various upcoming concerts and respite events with partners, all under the Lahaina Strong banner.
- Initiate a participatory rebuilding process and develop a community master plan for Lahaina.
- We are working on legislation for the next state legislative session to institutionalize some of these changes to build resilience!
Reflecting on this collaborative effort, it becomes clear that the impact goes beyond monetary value. It’s about the interconnectedness of communities, the willingness to reach out, and the belief that together we can create tangible change.
The involvement of countless MoveOn members embodies the spirit of compassion and unity that reverberates in times of crisis. Your support has not only helped Lahaina’s recovery, but also lit the path to a more resilient and self-reliant Maui.
May this remind us that, despite the challenges, there is unwavering hope. And through collective efforts and unwavering support, we can rebuild, strengthen and create a better future for all.
Together, we continue to make a difference, one community at a time.
