In response to the devastation and loss of life caused by the wildfires on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has provided $850,000 in grants to support initial relief efforts in severely affected communities. The wildfires, which began Aug. 8 and quickly spread because of high winds from Hurricane Dora, have killed at least 36 people and displaced hundreds. The Foundation stands with all of these communities during this challenging time.
Grants will address immediate needs — including the physical and mental health needs of children, families, and residents of all ages — and help begin to rebuild and restore the affected communities. Funding will go to organizations as follows:
- $500,000 to the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation Maui Strong Fund to support evolving needs as assessed by government and community partners, including shelter, food, financial assistance, and other services.
- $250,000 to Vibrant Hawaiʻi to support this community-based organization in connecting residents on Hawaiʻi Island and statewide with the resources available to them, as well as long-term response and recovery efforts.
- $100,000 to Jewish Community Services of Hawaiʻi to support recovery from the wildfires in the state’s Jewish community, including mental health and crisis-intervention services, as well as emergency funds for those in extreme need.
The Weinberg Foundation’s response to other emergencies and disasters includes $250,000 after the earthquake in Turkey and Syria; $250,000 after Hurricane Ian in Florida; $250,000 after the mass shooting in Highland Park, Ill.; $250,000 after the mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas; $250,000 after the mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y.; and $1 million after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
