[Portland, OR | August 15, 2023] - The Foundation for Philippine Progress (FPP) is rallying support for the communities devastated by the recent wildfire catastrophe in Maui, Hawaiʻi. The wildfire, which swept through the historic town of Lahaina, has left a trail of destruction that extends beyond the physical landscape. Lahaina, with its rich Native Hawaiian heritage and significant Filipino immigrant population, has been deeply impacted. More than a third of Lahaina's population is Filipino.
Starting from August 8th, the Maui wildfires have resulted in the loss of 111 lives. Despite the immense effort, much of the extensive burn zone remains unsearched. Over 1,000 residents are still unaccounted for, and search teams continue sifting through the ruins of over 2,000 destroyed structures. The disaster's effects were exacerbated by a confluence of factors, including the redirection of water resources to away from the communities and inadequate emergency response. These factors amplified the tragedy, leaving families uncertain and seeking refuge outside the town.
Collaborating with the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) and the Hawai’i Workers Center, FPP aims to extend a helping hand to the distressed communities. Our partner organization on the ground is working to provide immediate relief, comprehensive rehabilitation, and advocacy for the affected residents, many of whom are Filipino immigrants.
Donations received will be channeled towards providing essential supplies, shelter, and support to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. Individuals interested in contributing to this noble cause can make donations through www.tinyurl.com/FPPdonate. Each contribution, no matter the size, will contribute significantly to the recovery process and lend a helping hand to those in dire need.
For further information about the ongoing efforts and the impactful work of FPP, please visit www.philippineprogress.org.