APIA Scholars – Response and Resources for Maui Wildfires

Posted:

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE–Washington, DC (August 14, 2023) APIA Scholars expresses our heartfelt condolences for the devastating wildfires that swept through Hawaiʻi. Amid this disaster, we are working on a layered approach including aid to individual Scholars as well as aid to local partners who can then distribute the funding to those with greatest need.  

“We share a deep sense of loss and heartbreak for Maui, for Hawaiʻi, and all communities affected, as the lived experiences of people directly impacted continue to come in. We will continue to update our Scholars and our community as we develop our aid strategy and amplify the call to action for Hawaiʻi. We will be standing strong with Maui through this rebuilding and recovery process.” said Dr. Noël S. Harmon, the President and Executive Director of APIA Scholars. 

 

WAYS TO HELP: 

 

FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY THE FIRES AND NEED ASSISTANCE:  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has activated two programs to provide immediate relief to survivors by supplying shelter or housing, as well as money to cover urgent needs like food, water or medical supplies.  

  • The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program allows survivors to shelter in pre-identified hotels or motels for a limited amount of time as they develop their housing plan. FEMA pays for these hotel rooms so there is no out of pocket expense for survivors.  
  • The Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) program can provide eligible survivors with a one-time $700 payment per household and can offer residents some relief during this unimaginably difficult time. This money can be used for life- saving and life-sustaining items. 

In order to apply for this federal assistance, visit FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance staff who are visiting American Red Cross shelters, visit disasterassistance.gov, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app. 

 

About APIA Scholars 

Based in Washington, D.C. and founded in 2003, APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal, and professional success of Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students. We celebrate our community of students whose unique stories, rich cultures, and diverse perspectives equip them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Through scholarships, higher education research and policy, and institutional partnerships, APIA Scholars carries out its mission to educate, elevate, and empower a diverse community of 25 million strong and growing. 

For more information about APIA Scholars, please visit us at www.apiascholars.org. To donate to APIA Scholars, please click on this link. 

CONTACT 

Wendy Wong
VP of Marketing and Communications
APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islander American Scholars)
wwong@apiascholars.org