Five Months After Maui’s Wildfires: Funding Mental Health Care for Trauma Survivors

January 11, 2024

Wildfire destruction in Lahaina

Five months have passed since the deadly wildfire struck Maui, Hawaii. Peace Winds is funding programming to aid survivors in the Lahaina area through a psychosocial support program in partnership with two local organizations: Nā Keiki O Emalia (NKOE) and Hospice Maui.

The wildfire largely destroyed the historical town of Lahaina. Thousands of people lost family members, friends, houses, and belongings in an instant. Many are still displaced and are taking shelter in hotels provided by the government. However, the return of tourism is creating uncertainty regarding when residents need to vacate hotel rooms and where they will go next.

Children are among the most affected by the disaster. Losing their families and homes, being shuffled from shelter to shelter, and moving in and out of schools is not easy for any child. By the time many children bond with new friends and teachers, they have to say goodbye before readjusting to a new school and environment.

NKOE works with children and families in circumstances like these. The Maui-based organization provides care through support groups and community events with psychosocial support resources. They also distribute age-appropriate books to children so they can understand their situation, process their emotions in a healthy way, and seek support from adults if needed. NKOE is also setting up Keiki (“children” in Hawaiian) Corners in community hubs where parents can leave their children while they access community resources. To make these activities possible, NKOE is providing facilitator trainings for staff and volunteers.

Peace Winds’ other partner organization, Hospice Maui, will be offering workshops to those who have been supporting the affected communities. This includes counselors, social workers, teachers, call center staff, hospital staff, and first responders. These workshops not only provide capacity-building for trauma-informed care, but they also provide self-care opportunities for the staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly since the fire. Because Hawaii has strong roots in culture and community, residents often support each other rather than seeking help from professionals. Hospice Maui will also hold workshops targeting individual community members so they will have a better foundation in trauma-informed care.

This project will also include workshops for the partner organizations’ staff and volunteers. Although they are professionals with years of experience in grief support and care, this type of large-scale community grief and trauma is a rare occurrence. Following consultation with Peace Winds’ partner organizations and listening to their needs, professionals from the mainland United States and/or Japan will be invited to provide workshops on specific topics. The program will be similar to the care provided to people affected by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

Five months after Maui’s devastating fires, new challenges and needs are arising every day. This includes burnout for supporters, certain community members’ denial of the concept of “trauma,” and the vital need to provide culturally sensitive support. Peace Winds will continue to work closely with our local partner organizations and staff to aid the people of Maui with empathy. We appreciate your continued support.