Applications for Maui Disaster Relief Fund to open beginning Oct. 1

Online applications for disaster relief financial support will begin Oct. 1, 2023, from the Maui Disaster Relief initiative by the Hawaiʻi Catholic Community Foundation, and all of Maui’s 10 Catholic churches.

To submit an application, visit https://www.stanthonymaui.org. One form per family or individual will be accepted. The application covers all 10 parishes.

“We are reaching out to Lahaina and Kula residents impacted by the devastating Maui wildfires on Aug. 8 to offer financial assistance through our Maui Disaster Relief Fund,” said Reverend Monsignor Terrence A.M. Watanabe, Pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wailuku and Vicar Forane of Maui and Lānaʻi. “The applications assess families’ immediate financial needs, including food, water, shelter, rental and utility assistance, along with spiritual, mental and wellness support. Our goal is to ensure that every individual or family member in need receives the help they require.”

Toni Rojas, Director of Maui Disaster Relief, said the application process is an important first step to ensure that financial assistance goes to those in need as quickly as possible.

“Beginning Oct. 1, we ask individuals and families to complete the application form online, or at any of our 10 Catholic parishes,” Rojas said. “The forms seek intake information about immediate needs, housing and employment status, family size and help already received through organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, Maui United Way and Catholic Charities of Hawaiʻi.”

Recently, Rojas was appointed as director of Maui Disaster Relief by the Hawaiʻi Catholic Community Foundation. Her position was created to spearhead the ongoing efforts of both the foundation and St. Anthony Church Fund to aid in the recovery of the Lahaina and Kula communities, which were severely impacted by wildfires on Aug. 8, 2023.

Parishes are also available to assist with completing the disaster relief application.

The Hawaiʻi Catholic Community Foundation, in collaboration with St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wailuku, continues to offer spiritual guidance and financial recovery aid directly to individuals and families affected by the wildfires.

For more information about the Hawaiʻi Catholic Community Foundation and its disaster relief efforts, visit https://hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org/.