$118K Granted to 23 Maui Nonprofits

Maui United Way announced they have distributed $118,000 to 23 Maui nonprofits for “safety net” relief in response to the impact of the pandemic.

Maui United Way staff have been working remotely since March 23, 2020. (Top (left to right) Nicholas Winfrey and Sherry Yamashita. Bottom (left to right) Makana Nunes and Angela Stewart). Photo courtesy: Maui United Way.

The fund, commemorated by Maui United Way’s 75th Anniversary, was set aside from the agency’s reserve resources and launched in late March. Since then, corporate support from Hawaiian Electric Company, Sentry Insurance Foundation, and the Bendon Family Foundation has allowed the fund to reach more non-profits doing critical work in the time of need. The non-profit agencies who have received Safety Net funds are listed.

• Aloha House, Inc.
• American Red Cross
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui, Inc.
• Catholic Charities Hawai’i
• Chilis on Wheels
• Feed My Sheep
• Friends of the Children’s Justice Center
• Grow Some Good
• Habitat for Humanity Maui, Inc.
• Hale Mahaolu
• Hana Arts
• Hui No Ke Ola Pono Inc.
• Malama Family Recovery Center
• Maui Adult Day Care Centers
• Maui AIDS Foundation
• Maui Food Technology Center
• Maui Youth and Family Services
• Mental Health Kokua
• Ohana Makamae, Inc.
• Share Your Mana
• St. Theresa’s Church
• The Salvation Army
• Women Helping Women

Funds were distributed beginning April 4, 2020, and will continue to be distributed as needed. The safety net funds have provided many families financial relief in this time of uncertainty. For many they were able to stay safe in their homes, provide food for their keiki, and for many of our non-profits, continue providing the vital services our most vulnerable people need.  Below are just a few examples of the great work being done with Safety Net Resources.

Maui Youth and Family Services’ foster parents take in youth who are often unable to succeed in other foster homes and more often than not, they are successful in helping youth learn to trust in their security. Keeping their youth secure is a vital part of their plan to help these young people become successful adults. The safety net funds helped two foster parents make ends meet to ensure the families could afford to continue keeping the youth in their care.

Aloha House was able to keep its participants in the Sober Living Program (SLP) in a safe place during the pandemic while some of them lost their jobs and were on the verge of being on the streets and susceptible to using again. One of their participants shared, “I’m very glad to be housed here at SLP during this pandemic because it is a safe place during these hard times and the staff here are very helpful in making sure our safety and health are of importance and for that I am grateful”.

Hāna Arts was able to purchase 36 tablets and 9 laptops for students of the Hāna School who did not have access to distant learning before.  These students now have access to all the resources available online, and can tap into the wealth of knowledge provided through Hana Arts art instructors and Hana School Schoology.

To donate or to find out which organizations are eligible or receiving funding, click here.

For more information about Maui United Way call 808.244.8787