Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson's People's Fund of Maui Aids Wildfire Victims with Cash Transfers

After the devastating wildfires that ravaged the community of Lahaina last summer, many families were left displaced and in desperate need of assistance to rebuild their lives. Lana Vierra, a grandmother of four and a mother of five, lost her home of 30 years in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century, leaving her and ten family members without shelter. The People's Fund of Maui, an initiative established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, provided crucial aid to Vierra and thousands of others who were affected by the wildfires.

Direct Cash Transfers Bring Relief

Vierra and her adult children received direct monthly payments of $1,200 from the People's Fund, which helped them stay current on their mortgage despite the loss of their home. The initiative, initially criticized due to its celebrity backers’ wealth, raised nearly $60 million, with contributions from over 20,000 individuals and companies. This funding was dispersed to some 8,100 adults who were displaced, representing a significant portion of the 12,000 people estimated to have lost their homes in the state of Hawaii.

Shannon Doocy, a professor at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized the value of direct cash transfers in disaster response efforts. She highlighted that research has shown that such transfers overwhelmingly benefit recipients, allowing them to address essential needs, such as housing and food. These transfers provide dignity and choice to individuals and households, making them a cost-effective form of assistance that can be tailored to specific needs.

Community Support and Mutual Aid

In addition to the support from the People's Fund, Vierra's family also received donations from a GoFundMe campaign, direct gifts via Venmo, and contributions from a fundraiser initiated by Fox News host Will Cain. These collective efforts have been crucial in helping the family navigate their displacement and begin the long process of rebuilding.

Long-Term Housing Solutions

As the need for long-term housing solutions became increasingly urgent in the aftermath of the wildfires, various organizations and government entities stepped in to address the housing crisis. The Hawai‘i Community Foundation, along with state and county governments, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, pledged a $500 million commitment to build 3,000 housing units, providing shelter for at least 18 months to those displaced by the wildfires.

The foundation allocated $50 million from its Maui Strong fund, which received a total of $189 million in donations from over 250,000 individuals worldwide. This substantial funding has enabled the foundation to implement a comprehensive disaster response plan, focusing on recovery and stabilization efforts that extend over months and years. These efforts encompass essential services, social support systems, and infrastructure to withstand future disasters.

A Spirit of Generosity

Kaimana Brummel, a leader in fundraising at Seabury Hall, commended the approach of the People's Fund of Maui, emphasizing the spirit of "kahiau," a Hawaiian word meaning to give lavishly without expecting anything in return. The generosity and support provided by initiatives like the People's Fund reflect a broader commitment to helping communities rebuild and recover from the devastating impact of the wildfires.

Barry Probst, a longtime resident of Lahaina, expressed gratitude for the assistance received and shared his hopes for the future, as he and his family work towards rebuilding and navigating the daily challenges brought about by the wildfires. He highlighted the ongoing impact of the wildfires on the community, emphasizing the long-term nature of the recovery process for those directly affected.