Following devastating wildfires that displaced thousands in Maui, the People’s Fund of Maui, established by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, provided direct cash payments of $1,200 to 8,100 adults, enabling them to meet essential needs and stay housed. Experts emphasize the benefits of cash transfers, empowering recipients to address their unique circumstances. Despite criticism of Winfrey and Johnson’s wealth, the fund raised $60 million, demonstrating the power of collective generosity. Nonprofits and government programs increasingly utilize direct cash transfers, recognizing their effectiveness and dignity for survivors.
Results for: Direct cash transfers
Lana Vierra lost her home in the wildfires that swept through Lahaina, Hawaii, last summer. Displaced with ten family members, including a baby, she credits direct cash transfers from the People’s Fund of Maui, an initiative set up by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, with helping them stay current on their mortgage. Winfrey and Johnson committed $10 million to the fund, which raised nearly $60 million and distributed it to over 8,100 displaced adults. Research has shown that cash transfers overwhelmingly benefit intended recipients, providing dignity, choice, and support for essential needs like housing and food.
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson’s People’s Fund of Maui has provided significant financial assistance to wildfire survivors on the island. The fund, which raised nearly $60 million, distributed six monthly payments of $1,200 directly to displaced adults, helping them cover essential expenses like mortgage payments. Despite initial criticism, research has shown that cash transfers empower recipients and help them meet their specific needs.
The People’s Fund of Maui, founded by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, provided direct cash transfers to over 8,000 adults displaced by wildfires, helping them pay for housing, food, and other essentials. Despite initial criticism, research shows cash transfers are an effective form of assistance, providing dignity and choice to recipients. Local efforts and mutual aid also played a crucial role in the disaster response, but ongoing mental health issues and a shortage of affordable housing remain challenges.