Volunteers work during a wildfire relief food and supplies distribution event on Sept. 16 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wailuku. — Photo courtesy of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

A Maui disaster relief initiative by the Hawai’i Catholic Community Foundation and all of Maui’s 10 Catholic churches will begin taking applications Sunday.

“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 Rev. Monsignor Terrence Watanabe, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wailuku and vicar forane of Maui and Lanai. “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 individuals and families can complete the application form online or at any of the 10 Catholic parishes. One form per family or individual will be accepted.

“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 Hawaii,” Rojas explained.

Rojas was recently appointed director of Maui Disaster Relief by the Hawai’i 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.

The recovery funding comes from donations to funds established by the foundation and St. Anthony Church.

To submit an application, visit stanthonymaui.org/disasterrelief.

To contact Rojas, email trojas@rcchawaii.org or call (808) 244-4148, ext. 227.

For more information about the foundation and its disaster relief efforts, visit hawaiicatholiccommunityfoundation.org/.

Volunteers work during a wildfire relief food and supplies distribution event on Sept. 16 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Wailuku. — Photo courtesy of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church

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