Lana Vierra misses the swing set at her Lahaina home, reduced to ashes in the wildfires last summer. She recalls generations playing in her yard, surrounded by wildlife. A grandmother of four and mother of five, Vierra has lived in her home since 1991. She and ten family members, including an infant, were displaced in the deadliest U.S. wildfire in over a century.
After the fires, Vierra and her family received assistance from the People’s Fund of Maui, established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson. All family members, except one, received six monthly payments of $1,200. Vierra credits the payments with helping them stay current on their mortgage, despite the destruction of their home.
The People’s Fund raised nearly $60 million, distributing funds to displaced adults. Despite initial criticism, research shows that cash transfers provide dignity and choice, allowing recipients to prioritize essential expenses like housing and food.
Shannon Doocy, a professor at Johns Hopkins University, emphasizes the effectiveness of direct cash transfers. They empower recipients, who understand their needs better than external organizations. Many nonprofits and government programs now use this approach, including in Maui.
Vierra’s family has been grateful for the funds and mutual aid efforts after the fires. However, uncertainty and mental health concerns persist among those staying in hotels. The Maui Recovery Effort and FEMA have committed $500 million to build housing units for displaced residents.
The Hawaii Community Foundation has raised $189 million for recovery efforts, focusing on long-term support. While direct cash transfers address immediate needs, they cannot replace the need for services, social support, and disaster preparedness.
Kaimana Brummel, involved in designing the People’s Fund, suggested eligibility for all displaced adults rather than just households. She believes the fund exemplifies the Hawaiian concept of ‘kahiau,’ meaning to give lavishly without expectation of return.
Barry Probst, a therapist whose family has lived in Lahaina for generations, hopes to rebuild by 2026. He utilized People’s Fund funds to repair his car and complete trauma treatment training to help the community. While the wildfires are a distant memory for many, survivors continue to navigate the challenges of recovery daily.
