Episcopal Relief & Development is in contact with the Diocese of Hawaii in the wake of wildfires that have killed at least 55 people and displaced hundreds of families on Maui.

High winds from Hurricane Dora and drought conditions combined to accelerate the growth of brush fires earlier this week. Thousands of buildings have been destroyed and power and cell service is out in much of the area. The town of Lahaina, which was once the royal capital of Hawaii, was hit hard and it is presumed that Holy Innocents Episcopal Church was destroyed.

“The Diocese of Hawaii is assessing the needs of their community as the damage and long-term effects of this disaster become clearer,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, US Disaster Program, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We stand by ready to support the Diocese as they mobilize local assets and ministries to respond to the immense need.”

Please pray for the people impacted by the fires. Donations to the US Disaster Fund will support Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners as they respond.

For more than 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for close to 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.