Maui fires
Volunteers continue their work to make Sacred Hearts Mission in Kapalua a temporary home for Lahaina’s Sacred Hearts School that burned down on Aug. 8. Pictured are volunteer parents and Knights of Columbus installing flooring and assembling desks in space adjacent to the church on Oct. 16. Sacred Hearts principal Tonata Lolesio said she is grateful for EPIC Ministry and the Knights of Columbus for their faithful efforts in helping the students move forward. “They’ve just been amazing in the past week helping us to build platforms and set up tents and put in flooring. We still have a long way to go but we’re willing to work it out and continue to do the best that we can by the grace of God.” (Photo courtesy of Dann Ebina)
By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Applications to the Maui Disaster Relief Fund were suspended Oct. 11 after an overwhelming response of more than 1,500 online applications poured in since the program opened on Oct. 1.
“Our goal is to get financial assistance quickly into the hands of those most in need in the aftermath of the devastating wildfires,” said Toni Rojas, director of Maui Disaster Relief, in a news release. “Now, our work needs to shift gears into processing applications for immediate needs such as financial assistance for shelter, food, water, rentals and utilities.”
The suspension of new applications will allow the fund to streamline its efforts and expedite assistance to wildfire victims, she said. Applications are being reviewed, and notifications will be provided over the next 30 to 60 days with qualified payouts following.
Rojas had been vetting the applications herself, though she is seeking volunteers to help her. “The 1500 applications far exceeded our expectations,” she said, “however we are determined to support as many applicants as possible.”
“We are reviewing each application in a case-management style, with compassion, guidance, recommendations and support,” she said.
Priority is given to parishioners of Maria Lanakila Parish, Lahaina, and students of Sacred Hearts, the parish school; then all Maui parishes, and other baptized Catholic survivors.
“However, we welcome any survivor of the Lahaina or Kula wildfires to apply,” she said.
“The payouts vary based on the need at the time,” Rojas said. “Once we vet each applicant and their current immediate need, we determine the amount we can provide.”
There are two sources of funds for Maui Disaster Relief. The money currently comes from the Saint Anthony Fund, but now, with more data available, the program will ask for grants from the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation.
“We work with HCCF just like any other foundation,” Rojas said. “We need to apply for grants.”
The Maui fund is also looking to help Sacred Hearts School relocation needs for the next two-plus years.
Rojas emphasized the need to act quickly.
“Our survivors need us to expedite our support as many areas require swift coordination and execution. What is a day to us, is a month to them.” she said.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding of the abundance of applications received so far. We remain deeply committed to providing support to the residents of Maui who have been impacted by this tragedy,” Rojas said. “Our top priority is to address the immediate needs of the victims, and this suspension will help us do that more effectively.”
Applicants are asked not to call to follow-up. If an applicant received an email confirmation after submission online, the application has been received and is being processed.
The fund will consider receiving new applications after the processing of the initial requests is done and if money remains available.
Maui Disaster Relief is a joint initiative of the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation and St. Anthony Church in Wailuku. The fund aims to provide critical assistance to those affected by the Aug. 8 Lahaina and Kula wildfires.
To donate, go to stanthonymaui.org, and click on the Maui Disaster Relief Fund donate button.
