The Power of Charity Organizations: Grassroots Growth in Times of Crisis

Charity organizations are the backbone of thriving communities, stepping in during times of crisis when needs are greatest.
Grassroots efforts often begin with small groups of passionate individuals responding to an immediate need. Over time, these initiatives grow, fueled by partnerships, volunteers, and a shared commitment to make a difference. The Maui wildfires are a powerful reminder of how essential these organizations are in times of disaster.

Though each nonprofit may have a unique mission, we are all united by a common purpose: to serve our communities, uplift humanity, and build a more resilient future. At Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH), we believe that when the basic human needs—food, water, and shelter—are met, individuals are empowered to align with their inherent genius, fostering a culture that thrives organically. Our work is guided by the spirit of Aloha ʻĀina (love for the land), and we are committed to nurturing meaningful connections between people, place, and purpose.

Grassroots organizations thrive through collaboration, adaptability, and shared responsibility. As needs evolve, organizations like HHH continuously re-evaluate and reorganize to stay effective and aligned with community needs.

Together, through our collective efforts, we embody resilience, generosity, and hope for a better tomorrow.

: Man standing near fire during night time

Nonprofits Leading the Maui Wildfire Response

Living Pono Project

Slogan: “Growing Futures for All”
Mission: Makale’a and Hoapili, a husband and wife team, started the Living Pono Project in response to adversities faced by Kānaka Maoli and islanders to stay in Hawaii, thrive as a people, and retain cultural identity.

This NGO focuses on at-risk youth, vulnerable populations, people with disabilities, and re-entering individuals. These issues hit home as Hoapili’s younger brother is challenged with developmental disabilities. Their goal is to create opportunities in sustainable industries, rooted in Hawaiian cultural values, where all can prosper.
Website: Visit Living Pono

HHH – Help Heal Hunger

Slogan: “Feed Hope and Nourish Maui, from Farm to Hungry, with Love!”
Mission: Hungry Heroes Hawaii, a Maui-based grassroots nonprofit, is dedicated to addressing the foundational needs of food, water, and shelter for fire survivors and the hungry on Maui. Through our meal program and partnerships with local farms, we deliver nourishing meals and fresh produce with love, fostering the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina and helping individuals thrive.
Website: Visit HHH

Common Ground Collective (CGC)

Slogan: “Building community through sustainability and resilience.”
Mission: Partnering with local farmers to promote food security and sustainable farming.
Website: Visit CGC

Maui Rapid Response (MRR)

Slogan: “Immediate action for immediate need.”
Mission: Mobilizing volunteers and resources for swift disaster relief.
Website: Visit MRR

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Slogan: “Providing immediate disaster relief, sustainable development, and empowerment.”
Mission: GEM focuses on offering rapid response and sustainable aid during emergencies while also promoting long-term recovery initiatives. Their efforts extend across the globe, helping communities rebuild and restore resilience in the wake of disasters.
Website: Visit Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)

Maui Food Bank

Slogan: “No one in Maui should go hungry.”
Mission: Distributing emergency food supplies to those in need.
Website: Visit Maui Food Bank

World Central Kitchen (WCK)

Slogan: “Wherever there’s a fight so hungry people may eat, we will be there.”
Mission: WCK uses the power of food to provide meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. They work on the frontlines to serve warm meals to people affected by disasters and promote food resilience in vulnerable areas. Their presence in Maui following the wildfires brought hope and nourishment to thousands.
Website: Visit World Central Kitchen (WCK)

All Hands and Hearts

Slogan: “Responding to today’s disasters, building resilience for tomorrow.”
Mission: Volunteer-powered rebuilding efforts in disaster zones.
Website: Visit All Hands and Hearts

Maui Rescue Mission

Slogan: “Rescue, restore, rebuild.”
Mission: Providing shelter and care to those experiencing homelessness.
Website: Visit Maui Rescue Mission

Hawaiian Community Foundation

Slogan: “Empowering the spirit of aloha.”
Mission: Offering grants and support to Maui residents and programs.
Website: Visit Hawaiian Community Foundation

Hua Momona

Mission: Promoting sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty.
Website: Visit Hua Momona

Maui United Way

Slogan: “Live united.”
Mission: Mobilizing resources to create lasting community change.
Website: Visit Maui United Way

Help Maui Rise

Mission: Supporting long-term recovery and resilience initiatives.
Website: Visit Help Maui Rise

Lahaina Strong

Mission: Supporting residents in rebuilding Lahaina after the wildfires.
Website: Visit Lahaina Strong

Brown Cross Hui

Mission: Offering direct relief and essential supplies during disaster recovery efforts.
Website: Visit Brown Cross Hui

Pacific Birth Collective

Mission: Supporting women and families through birth, postpartum, and parenting education.
Website: Visit Pacific Birth Collective

Napili Noho

Mission: Providing relief to displaced residents of Napili and beyond.
Website: Visit Napili Noho

KaKo’o Distribution Center

Mission: Distributing supplies and essential goods to affected Maui residents.
Website: KaKo’o Distribution

Feed My Sheep

Mission: Delivering food and care to those experiencing hunger across Maui.
Website: Visit Feed My Sheep

Kimokeo Foundation

Mission: Promoting Hawaiian culture, education, and conservation initiatives.
Website: Visit Kimokeo Foundation

Chef Hui

Mission: Our mission is to create opportunities to connect the culinary world with their community through a strong network of local chefs and produce providers.
Website: Visit Chef Hui

Other Impactful Maui Nonprofits

Imua Family Services

Mission: Empowering children and families through education and therapeutic programs.
Website: Visit Imua Family Services

Women Helping Women

Mission: Supporting survivors of domestic violence through advocacy and services.
Website: Visit Women Helping Women

Maui Humane Society

Mission: Promoting animal welfare and caring for animals in need.
Website: Visit Maui Humane Society

Hospice Maui

Mission: Providing compassionate end-of-life care.
Website: Visit Hospice Maui

Pacific Whale Foundation

Mission: Promoting ocean conservation and marine education.
Website: Visit Pacific Whale Foundation

Hawai’i Farmers Union United

Mission: Advocating for sustainable farming practices and agricultural education.
Website: Visit Hawai’i Farmers Union United

Hawai’i Land Trust

Mission: Protecting and conserving Hawai’i’s natural landscapes.
Website: Visit Hawai’i Land Trust

Mahalo to these organizations and countless volunteers for their dedication to serving the Maui community and embodying the spirit of aloha.

By Katie Helland – Reporter, Pacific Business News

Zach Laidlaw can put executive chef and television show contestant on his resume. Most recently, he was one of the contestants in the latest season of Gordon Ramsay’s TV show, “Next Level Chef,” which debuted on Jan. 28. He is also the executive chef and vice president of experiences at the Lahaina-based Hua Momona Farms.

The Aug. 8 Maui wildfires, which left 100 people dead and destroyed most of Lahaina town, impacted the farm, which closed 18 of its 60 sales accounts with restaurants, food trucks and private chefs, Laidlaw said.

After the fires, Hua Momona Farms pivoted to serving meals to displaced Lahainans and brought on Chef Jason Raffin, founder of the Chef Collective, a group of chefs that came together to feed vulnerable communities during the Covid-19 pandemic. The farm’s Hua Momona Foundation also partnered with another nonprofit, Hungry Heroes Hawaii, to help feed those displaced by the fires. With the help of volunteers, the farm prepares meals and HHH distributes them, Laidlaw said. To date, the partnership has served about 30,000 meals, he added.

Laidlaw spoke with Pacific Business News about trends in agriculture, the impacts of the wildfires and plans for the future.

What are you currently responsible for in this role? I take care of all of the private events we do on the farm. I oversee operations with greenhouse management, sales and work with Chef Raffin [to help feed those in Lahaina who are] displaced.

What trends are you seeing in agriculture right now? Being an organically managed farm takes a lot of labor, but honestly, that’s the way to go — and to control what you put into your food. That is the future right there. … I really do think that people are more health-conscious nowadays. You hear a lot about microgreens at farmer’s markets and a lot of health stores — and eating healthy. People are super health-conscious, and they want to look good and they want to feel good. It’s more about longevity, and it all starts with your diet.

You started your career in the kitchen but as an executive chef, you also handle more of the business side of the farm. How did you build that skill set? I’ve been cooking for about 18 years all around the world. I met the owner of the farm, Gary Grube, back in 2016 at a restaurant I was working [at] Chicago. He mentioned that he was starting a farm out in Maui. … I wanted to actually step out of the busy kitchens to start learning about how to grow my own food … and how to do things the proper way.

What strategies are you using to find and retain employees? It’s such a niche market on Maui, especially being on a farm and all. Honestly, you have to treat your employees with respect. You have to make sure they’re very well paid. … Everyone wants a sense of purpose. I think that’s what people want more than anything right now. So having them be a part of the big picture – that is what people are looking for.

How was the farm impacted by the wildfires on Maui? The day of the fires, I went up to the farm around 5:30 [a.m.], and we had extreme winds that day. It completely ripped off our roof on our 4,000-square-foot greenhouse. It literally ripped it right down the middle, folded it like a book. I basically walked into the farm [and it looked] like a tornado hit it. … We shut down sales for three months. The rest of the island was reaching out to us, but we were in such weird times. We were thinking about what to do next. What are the next steps? We knew that it was the right thing to do to start feeding all the Lahainans displaced. So, we brought on Chef Jason Raffin. He’s the founder of Chef Collective, and we partnered up with him, and we just started pumping out meals like crazy.

Is there anything else you want to share? I just want to bring awareness back to Maui. I feel like you don’t really hear about it on the news anymore. That’s why a big part of this TV show [is me] trying to bring awareness back to Maui: “Hey, we’re still here. We still need help. We still need funding. We need all the support we can.”

Grieving takes a long time. A lot of people grieve differently. And I know the world is crazy right now with tragedies all over, but please, please, please do not forget about Maui.

To volunteer or help fund the program to feed displaced residents of Lahaina, go to: helpsavemaui.org.

https://www.bizjournals.com/pacific/news/2024/02/08/executive-insight-chef-zach-laidlaw.html

Chef Zach Laidlaw

Executive chef and vice president of experiences, Hua Momona Farms

Address: 246 Keoawa St., Lahaina HI 96761

Phone: 808-862-6284

Website: huamomonafarms.com

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Maui Non-Profits in a Time of Crisis