Episcopal Relief and Verizon Team Up for Maui's Long-Term Recovery Efforts Following Devastating Fires

Episcopal Relief & Development Receives Verizon Grant to Support Maui's Recovery

In a significant step toward rebuilding efforts in Maui after the catastrophic fires of 2023, Episcopal Relief & Development has received a grant from Verizon through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). This funding is aimed at enhancing the community's disaster resilience while assisting families in reconstructing safer and more fire-resistant homes.

The devastating fires that tore through Lāhainā and Kula had a lasting impact on the community, displacing thousands and resulting in the tragic loss of over 100 lives. Following this disaster, local partners have been quick to respond, focusing on the immediate needs of affected families by providing temporary housing, essential social services, and direct financial support. This assistance is crucial to navigating barriers such as underinsurance, difficulties finding contractors, and soaring construction costs.

The Verizon Community Disaster Resilience Grant will facilitate the integration of fire-resistant materials into five targeted home rebuilding projects, executed by the Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long-Term Recovery Group Construction Committee. By doing so, the initiative aims to reduce fire risks and instill a sense of safety within the community when faced with future potential disasters.

Improvements will be tailored to each household’s specific needs, in collaboration with families, construction committees, and case managers. Among the proposed enhancements are metal roofing, ember-resistant vents, non-combustible siding, and additional protective measures like defensible landscaping—a strategy proven effective in safeguarding homes from wildfires.

Kalani Holokai, representing the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, expressed gratitude to Verizon and National VOAD for their invaluable contributions to long-term recovery efforts, illustrating a shared commitment to community resilience. Similarly, Race Hodges, a Senior Program Officer at Episcopal Relief & Development, emphasized the importance of this grant for disaster resilience innovation, stating that it would greatly improve housing safety for families, fostering a renewed sense of stability and hope.

For more than 85 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked tirelessly with faith and community partners to drive significant change in communities grappling with various challenges, including injustice and climate change. Their commitment extends to nurturing the potential of caregivers and children, combating violence against women and children, enhancing community resilience to climate change, and facilitating humanitarian responses to disasters. This partnership with Verizon exemplifies the power of collaboration to create meaningful impact.

As recovery efforts progress, the focus remains on ensuring that the lessons learned from this disaster lead to stronger, more resilient communities. Episcopal Relief & Development encourages individuals who wish to support these initiatives to learn more about their programs and engage in their mission of fostering lasting community change. Together, through collaboration and shared purpose, meaningful recovery and resilience can flourish in Maui once more.

For more information and to join their efforts, visit Episcopal Relief & Development's website.