NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- It's too early to tell the full extent of the damage wreaked by the wildfires raging through the Hawaiian island of Maui. More than 50 people have been killed and the historic town of Lahaina, where over 13,000 people reside, is almost completely destroyed. Hawaii's governor Josh Green estimates that the flames have already caused billions in property damage, even more problematic because of Hawaii's housing shortage.
But there are ways for people in the New York area to help, including places to donate that will provide those impacted by the fires with some much-needed relief.
Most importantly, the Hawaiian Tourism Authority has urged against travel to West Maui or the Big Island, so as not to strain the already limited resources.
Hawaiians affected by the fires have also implored people to give only to charities and foundations with strong local ties. In a news release on Tuesday, Hawaii's attorney general Anne Lopez warned of an uptick in fraudsters looking to exploit people's concern through phone calls or text messages.
Here are some trustworthy charities working in the immediate term to provide food, clothing, and shelter to Maui's displaced or struggling residents:
AMERICAN RED CROSS: The Red Cross has around-the-clock disaster workers providing evacuees with temporary shelter. By texting REDCROSS to the number 90999, you can pledge a $10 donation.
HAWAI'I COMMUNITY FOUNDATION: The Hawai'i Community Foundation's Maui Strong Fund, which was signal-boosted in a tweet by Hawaii's own Office of the Governor, has already raised over $1 million to sustain recovery efforts for those affected by the wildfires. The minimum online donation is $25.
MAUI FOOD BANK: The food bank's official website pledges that for every $1 donated, they can provide four additional meals to Maui's hungry.
MAUI HUMANE SOCIETY: The Maui Humane Society's animal shelters were already filled beyond capacity before the wildfires, and the organization fears the dangers that burns and smoke inhalation will pose for hundreds of pets in Maui. In a Facebook statement, the Humane Society asked for donations of pop-up kennels, pet food, and litter; they also seek volunteers to take some pets into foster care. Donations can be shipped through its Amazon wishlist.
MAUI RAPID RESPONSE: Sign up on this Google Form to express your willingness to be part of a mutual aid fund, which will provide enough emergency housing to match the needs of the community.
MAUI UNITED WAY: Though local officials don't yet know what the community's greatest needs will be in the coming weeks, Maui United Way, a non-profit, is asking for money to offer grants to other local disaster relief non-profits.
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