Aloha

Citizen Church Maui immediately initiated emergency response protocols when the wildfires broke out in the beautiful town of Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 8th, 2023. We were prepared and positioned to provide life-saving aid, support, and shelter to the survivors on the island.

Throughout our work, we have come face-to-face with the unfathomable devastation and loss impacting our community. We have heard heartbreaking story after story, and have witnessed first-hand the sprawling consequences of this disaster. As a result, we have identified 50 families who require ongoing assistance.

Our Goal

As we witness these families courageously embark on the journey of rebuilding their shattered lives, homes, and livelihoods. Our heartfelt mission is to extend a helping hand by offering meaningful financial assistance to supplement one-year rentals on the west side of Maui. This compassionate aid aims to ensure that these resilient individuals can swiftly and safely secure suitable accommodations during this transitional period.

Our Affected Families

  • Pacheco Family

    Araceli and Manuel, faith-filled pillars of the Maui community for 22 years, faced a devastating blow when the fire ravaged their entire lives. Araceli, a dedicated laundry worker for vacation rentals, has found herself unemployed as a result of the tourism halt. Manuel, a hard-working landscaper, lost all of his equipment and 40% of his clientele. The family's quick response saved their lives, but they lost two vehicles, their home and everything they owned. Despite this overwhelming loss, their unwavering faith continues to guide their journey to rebuild.

  • Calderon-Martinez Family

    Miriam Martinez, Sergio Calderon, and their two beautiful children have called Maui home for 7 years. They have found themselves with absolutely nothing: their house was tragically consumed by the fire, all of their belongings are gone, and they lost their beloved deaf dog. Sergio, once a chef for a boat company, is suddenly unemployed due to the tourism collapse. Now, with only the clothes they were wearing at the time of the fire and a few essential documents, they rely on the generosity of their church and friends, while searching for a safe place to live.

  • Olea Family

    Roberto and Dalia Olea, Maui residents for 25 years and parents to nine precious children, have found themselves living in a nightmare as a result of the fires. Dalia was cooking when she realized they were in imminent danger. Amidst their frantic escape, they were forced to abandon their home and cars, while dodging flames and explosions. After a perilous hill climb, enduring choking smoke and fierce winds, they narrowly escaped with their lives. Now, with nothing left of the life they built, they lean on faith and family to persevere.

  • Kauila Madeiros

    Twenty-three-year-old Kauila Madeiros was born and raised on the island with his 5 siblings. Before the fire, he lived with his family in Wahikuli and worked as a valet at The Montage Hotel. He loves to surf, hike, and serve at his church. He is known as a servant-hearted leader and was serving his community every day after the wildfires. He escaped the fire on his motorcycle after grabbing a change of clothes and his cat from his house. His employment is currently postponed as tourism ceases and needs a new place to live.

  • Franko Odierno

    Franko Odierno, a 75-year-old Maui resident for 45 years, has a passion for cooking, decorating, and landscaping. Tragically, the fire left his home in ashes. Without immediate family or friends to lean on, he was left alone, shocked, and stranded until a kind stranger led him to Citizen Church. There, he not only found shelter but also a sense of community, where he has been serving coffee and treats to relief volunteers daily. As he rebuilds his life, Franko is in search of living accommodations in west Maui to remain close to the newfound church community that has changed his life.

  • John Miller

    John Miller is a 63-year-old woodworker who has lived on Maui for 34 years. His shop was in Lahaina, where he did work for local churches and community buildings. On the day of the fire, he selflessly helped his neighbors evacuate by holding up power lines for them to drive under. He walked to a friend's house through smoke and was able to leave with them as the fire approached quickly. He lost his workshop and home in the wildfires. John is looking for a one-bedroom ohana or apartment starting December 2023.

  • Emmerich Family

    Brad and Kellee Emmerich have been Maui residents for 40 faithful years. During the fire, Kellee and her daughters, Sara and Erin, fled in one car, while Brad's vehicle caught fire multiple times while escaping. The family was separated, but were able to reunite the day following the fire. The Emmerichs lost their home and everything they left behind in the fires. Their home was a place of respite and aloha to hundreds of guests visiting the island over the years. Now, the family seeks a 2-bedroom house on the west side.

  • Ball Family

    Blake and Cody Ball were born and raised on Maui and enjoy surfing, sports, and coaching. Blake is a math teacher at Lahaina Intermediate School and is awaiting news about the reopening of the school after the wind damage that occurred during the wildfires. Blake was at home alone when he started smelling smoke and saw his neighbor's roofs blowing off. He drove away with two bags of clothes and important documents. His home and everything else in it is now gone. Blake and his brother, who is now unemployed, are looking for a two-bedroom place to rent.

  • Angela Talamantez

    Angela Talamantez is a business owner and aesthetician who has lived on Maui for 9 years. She enjoys working out, reading, and playing with her cat. She evacuated to a friend's house during the fire and saw the flames from afar. She lost her business, which she opened in January of 2022, and all of her assets because the building she rented space in was destroyed by the fire. She is currently working to find a location to reestablish her livelihood.

  • Rico Family

    Cipriano, Elva, and their adult children, Daniela and Pablo, have resided in Maui for 18 years. Cipriano runs a Lahaina-based landscaping business with Pablo. Elva and Daniela faithfully volunteer in various ministries at their church. On the day of the fire, Daniela and Pablo evacuated, losing their home, two vehicles, and their business van, which housed all their work supplies. They're now seeking a 2 or 3-bedroom rental and working part-time with remaining clients.

  • Castillo-Medina Family

    Gildardo and Elsa Medina, accompanied by their adult daughters Michelle and Arriana, have resided on Maui for 22 years. They own a cleaning business on the island and are awaiting the resumption of tourism to restart their work. The emotional toll of losing their recently paid-off home in Lahaina is profound. The Castillo-Medina family is now in search of a 2 or 3-bedroom place to rebuild their business and continue their dedication to the island they love.

  • Nava Family

    Dylan Nava works as a concierge at the Westin Hotel and lived with his grandparents in Wahikuli before the fire. He was born and raised on the island and enjoys hiking, going to the beach, and volunteering at his church. On the day of the fire, he grabbed a change of clothes and fled his home. Soon after he escaped, he was surrounded by black smoke and was faced with the devastating reality that his home wouldn't survive. Dylan is now searching for a 3-bedroom home for himself, his sister, and his grandparents.

  • Mason Family

    Zoe and Kaden Mason, married last year and expecting a baby in February, have lived on Maui for several years. Both were Young Life leaders, sharing a love for children. Zoe, a freelance artist, taught at King Kamehameha III Elementary before it succumbed to the fire. She now organizes community art classes. Kaden worked in construction. They enjoy surfing and dirt biking, respectively. Although they were away during the wildfire, they returned to find their home ruined. They're now seeking a 1-2 bedroom place on the west side for their growing family.

  • Stauffer/Kaina Family

    Sarah, a Maui resident for four years, met her now-husband, Lahaina native Kawehi, a year after moving. Both are active in their church: Sarah leads worship and small groups, while Kawehi oversees the welcome team and youth ministry. Currently, Sarah's concierge job and Kawehi's high school position are on hold. Their pet rabbit, Pip, was fortunately saved from the fire that consumed Sarah's home—the very place Kawehi was set to move into post-wedding. Opting to elope after the tragedy, they're now united in rebuilding their lives and are seeking a 1-2 bedroom rental on the west side.

  • McLaughlin Family

    Melissa, residing in Wahikuli with her son Dylan and parents Laura and Bill McLaughlin, has a family history on Maui spanning 20 years. She's a massage therapist at the Ritz Carlton, while Laura cares for a west-side family and Bill is a builder. The family enjoys swimming, yoga, and hiking, and Dylan, an avid reader and artist, attends a private school needing support due to Melissa's job hiatus. Amidst the aftermath of the wildfires, their bond remains unshaken, and they're keen to stay united while transitioning to a new home.

  • Kenin Family

    Born and raised on Maui, Erin married Val a year after his arrival six years ago. They have two daughters, Elysa (10 months) and Eva (2 years), and a husky, Koda. United by their love for travel and missions, Val leads worship at their church, while Erin assists the production team. Erin stays home with the kids, and Val runs a Kahului welding business. Before the fire, they housed Val’s mom in their ohana. The fire left their home irreparable, displacing them from their West Maui community. Now, they're seeking a long-term housing solution for their family.

  • Martin Family

    Heather and Kevin, who met on Maui 15 years ago, have always considered it home. Heather is an executive assistant in hospitality, while Kevin is with the Kaanapali Golf course. They love outdoor adventures like hiking and beach trips, but also cherish quiet moments with their cat, Luna, by the TV. Deeply connected to their church and community, the recent fire has uprooted them. Though their house remains, it’s currently uninhabitable. They're now seeking a 1-2 bedroom residence on the west side.

  • VanAlstyne Family

    Debbie is a Maui native and has been married to Thomas for seven years. They have two boys: Joshua and Joseph. She manages events at the Plantation House and Thomas is a full-time builder who sometimes works in banquets. In response to the fires, they led relief efforts with Plantation House, Mercy Chefs, and Citizen Church, distributing over 65,000 hot meals. On the day of the fires, their family and neighbors walked over 4 miles to a safe hotel. Their home is now uninhabitable, and they're seeking a 2-3 bedroom place on the west side.

  • Jessica Pacheco

    Jessica, a Maui native, has a passion for travel and family. She's a dedicated volunteer leading the production team at Citizen Church. She works at the Beach House restaurant, but they’ve drastically reduced her hours due to dwindling tourism on the west side. She also cleaned homes but all of her clients lost their homes in the fire except one. Although she retrieved her belongings post-fire, her studio is now unlivable. She's in search of a one-bedroom/studio.

  • Lokalia Farm

    Lokalia, born and raised in Lahaina, has lived in her family home her entire life. She served as a cultural ambassador at the Montage but is currently out of work due to the wildfire's impact on tourism. Deeply passionate about hula, she recently earned the title of Kumu Hula. Besides dancing, she's fond of the ocean, crafting, and lei-making. Having joined a church six months ago, she got engaged to Isaiah post-fire. They're now searching for a one to two-bedroom home on the west side.

  • Olea/Barrera Family

    For nearly 30 years, high school sweethearts Michelle and Orfanel have called the island home. Parents to Uriel, Ezequiel, and Myriam, they once owned the popular Barefruit Bar, a local smoothie and fruit shop, until it fell victim to the Lahaina Fire. Deeply involved in their community, they have supported the local church and provided jobs for the youth. Despite losing their business, they remain thankful for their home and family unity. As they face the future, they are considering new paths for their business or potential careers, finding solace and rejuvenation in their cherished travels together.

  • Maria Valdez

    Maria Valdez, also known as Hermana Maria, has resided on Maui for 14 years. Now retired, she has devoted herself tirelessly to serving the church. A family-oriented person, Maria enjoys dining out with her loved ones. Tragically, the fire claimed her home and all her possessions. Currently without employment, she is actively seeking a studio or one-bedroom unit to rent on the west side, hoping to rebuild her life amidst the support and love of her community.

  • Gonzalez-Luis Family

    For 16 years, Estefania and her mom, Eva, have made their home on Maui, sharing a one-bedroom ohana in Lahaina. Estefania dedicated over four years to serving at the Cool Cat Cafe on Front Street, while Eva worked part-time as a babysitter. In their leisure time, Eva enjoys morning walks and Estefania takes pleasure in shopping and volunteering on the welcome team at their church. The recent fire, however, has upended their lives, leaving them without a home and jobs, as Estefania's workplace was engulfed in flames and Eva's babysitting opportunities diminished. Now, they are seeking a 1-2 bedroom residence on the west side to begin anew.

  • Taguiped-McLaughlin Family

    Jessica, a single mom, is nurturing three remarkable sons. While Greg is away at college, Colby is gearing up for intermediate school, and Gage attends high school. Previously, Jessica managed two art galleries on Front Street and operated a home-based flower lei business, both of which were devastated in the recent fire. Passionate about community outreach, she actively engages in church initiatives. The family cherishes their bonding time, enjoying dining out, camping, and embarking on fun adventures together. Unfortunately, the fire has condemned their home, barring their return. Jessica is now seeking a stable two-bedroom rental on the west side, eager to revive her art business.

  • Elies Family

    David and Floribel have spent most of their lives on Maui, with David being a native and Floribel relocating from the Philippines at age six. They once took a brief respite to live in Las Vegas. Floribel, a dedicated teacher at Princess Nahi’ena’ena Elementary School for 17 years, is anticipating clearance to resume her role by October, pending environmental assessments in Lahaina. Meanwhile, David excels as a home-based computer programmer and technical consultant. Despite their promising career prospects, the recent fire ravaged their home. Currently residing with Floribel's family in Wailuku, they are actively seeking a long-term housing solution, preferably a two-bedroom residence on the west side, to reclaim their sense of home and stability.

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