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Credit score: Robert Gauthier/Getty Photos 1601912968
Within the wake of the devastating hearth that ravaged Lahaina, Maui, in August, a rallying cry was heard throughout communities close to and much. It was a name for help, for solidarity, and for a collective effort to help within the restoration of this historic city. And amongst those that heeded this name had been the compassionate and proactive members of MoveOn.
When catastrophe struck, MoveOn members got here collectively, demonstrating the ability of collective motion and empathy. Via a concerted fundraising initiative, practically $200,000 was raised to help a community-driven group, the Maui Neighborhood Energy Restoration Fund (MCPRF), of their tireless efforts towards restoration and resilience-building.
This substantial contribution, comprising greater than 1 / 4 of the overall funding for MCPRF, holds immense significance. Not solely does it facilitate instant materials reduction for these affected by the hearth, nevertheless it additionally serves as a basis for long-term methods to handle the foundation causes, notably in combating local weather disruption and enhancing Maui’s resilience in opposition to future challenges.
The Maui Neighborhood Energy Restoration Fund’s dedication to not solely rebuilding but additionally fortifying the neighborhood in opposition to future adversities echoes a broader sentiment—a reminder of the energy present in solidarity and collective motion. Every contribution, every gesture of help, turns into a constructing block within the restoration of hope and resilience. Right here’s a have a look at what MCPRF informed us they’ve been as much as, fueled by help from across the nation:
- Facilitated a sequence of conferences with neighborhood leaders to information a shared sport plan and identification, which become the ”Lahaina Robust” initiative.
- Staffed up with folks from the neighborhood, representing a variety of various abilities (operations, neighborhood organizing, videography, and many others.).
- Performed ”wants assessments” by means of in-person canvases at neighborhood conferences and inside inns. We coordinated ”tagnawa” occasions with Ilocano and Tagalog volunteer translators to attach greater than 1,500 Filipino survivors to advantages that had been falling by means of the cracks with FEMA and Purple Cross. We additionally helped arise Roots Reborn, a corporation to help Spanish-speaking and Filipino immigrants on Maui, a lot of whom are undocumented. Different companions for this effort embrace Assist Maui Rise and the Hawaii Staff Middle.
- Created a system to attach folks to the correct service suppliers through automated texts, emails, and calls aware of their real-time wants.
- Held listening periods on restoration, in coordination with council members, and turned out 1000’s of individuals to numerous hearings—together with distributing 1,500 shirts for individuals who testify or volunteer. Dozens of press clips up to now. Right here’s one!
- Pushed for prolonged reduction so service employees wouldn’t be compelled again to work, and received $100 million in Non permanent Help for Needy Households (TANF) funds and FEMA block grant extensions.
- Pushed to increase the October 8 reopening of west Maui to tourism, gaining help from native political leaders. Right here’s our petition supply!
- Planning varied upcoming concert events and respite occasions with companions, all underneath the Lahaina Robust banner.
- Launching a participatory rebuilding course of and growing a community-driven grasp plan for Lahaina.
- Engaged on laws for the subsequent state legislative session to institutionalize a few of these adjustments to construct resilience!
As we mirror on this collaborative effort, it turns into evident that the impression stretches past financial worth. It’s in regards to the interconnectedness of communities, the willingness to increase a serving to hand, and the assumption that, collectively, we are able to create tangible change.
The involvement of numerous MoveOn members embodies the spirit of compassion and unity that reverberates in occasions of disaster. Your help has not solely aided Lahaina’s restoration however has additionally illuminated the trail towards a extra resilient and empowered Maui.
Let this be a reminder that, amid challenges, there exists unwavering hope. And thru collective efforts and unwavering help, we are able to rebuild, strengthen, and create a greater tomorrow for all.
Collectively, we proceed to make a distinction—one neighborhood at a time.
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