Lahaina Fire Crisis Aftermath - Relocation Support

Lahaina Fire - Housing Crisis - Relocating to Mainland - Educator Needs Assistance

Aloha everyone, my name is Tiffany and I have been fortunate to call the amazing islands of Hawaii my home for the past eight years. For the past three years I have lived in West Maui and have been working in education with children here in Lahaina.

As Admissions Director at one of the few West Maui schools, I have witnessed first hand the painful revolving door of hundreds of families that have been forced to leave the island because of overwhelming housing and financial hardships. The sense of loss is palpable in every way for everyone. However, while I have worked to alleviate the suffering of my school’s students and families, I now, too, have fallen victim to the largest natural disaster Hawaii has ever seen and I humbly need your help.

Inflation has swelled to unbelievable heights in the aftermath of the Lahaina fire for all resources including housing, food and utilities. The housing crisis here in West Maui continues to escalate and availability of affordable housing is nearly non-existent. Unfortunately I have not been able to find adequate housing after my lease not being renewed due to the inflated rental market. The lack of stable housing and resources results in high stress and anxiety and my overall wellbeing is declining as the challenges of being a long-term renting resident in West Maui have become very taxing and unsustainable. I feel myself suffering the mental, emotional and financial toll in which living expenses for rent alone would now require 60% of my monthly income. Residents like myself who have been indirectly affected by the fire but do not qualify for government assistance, including myself, are experiencing unintended financial hardships.

Without affordable, viable resources I’ve become overwhelmed with the burden of living expenses and need more sustainable support systems than are available on island. This difficult decision has left me unbelievably disheartened in knowing I will be leaving my island home. I will be relocating back to the mainland to be closer to my family while taking greater care of my physical and mental wellbeing and creating more stability for myself. If you find yourself in a position where you are able to help, my ask is for funds that will be used to help defray unexpected relocation and moving expenses. Your generosity will make a significant difference and I am truly grateful.

‘A‘ohe hana nui ke alu ‘ia

Mahalo nui loa