Maui Wildfires

CORE is working with local communities to provide critical relief to those most impacted by the Maui wildfires.

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Emergency Relief | 2023

What damage have the 2023 Maui wildfires caused?

In August 2023, wildfires in Maui County, Hawaii, quickly spread from intense winds from passing Hurricane Dora, devastating the town of Lahaina and causing widespread displacement within impacted communities.

In the immediate aftermath, over 4,500 were without power and over 2,200 structures have been damaged or destroyed. More than 3,100 homes are destroyed or otherwise uninhabitable. As of October 2023, at least 97 fatalities have been confirmed, making this one of the worst natural disasters in Hawaii’s history and amongst the top 10 deadliest fires in U.S. history.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green called it the “largest natural disaster we’ve experienced. It’s going to also be a natural disaster that’s going to take an incredible amount of time to recover from.” As the devastation continues to be assessed, local community-based organizations (CBOs) and agencies are addressing the vast, immediate needs, including shelter, financial assistance, and debris removal. Sustainable, long-term recovery efforts will be critical for those most affected by the fires.

How is CORE helping support those impacted by the 2023 Maui wildfires?

CORE worked with our partners and local CBOs, including Maui Rapid Response, to provide critical financial relief. Our emergency response focused on distributing cash and voucher assistance to those without access to federal aid to support their own immediate needs. Through our collaboration, we distributed financial assistance to families in the Lahaina community who have been devastated by the fires.

Additionally, CORE collaborated with local partners to manage a housing pilot program supporting families whose homes were damaged or lost in the fires. Through this program, CORE partnered with host families to renovate and/or convert unused spaces into sustainable, long-term housing solutions for displaced families. We continue to assess additional long-term and culturally relevant recovery efforts to support those affected by the Maui wildfires.

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