Lahaina, Maui Fire Recovery Fund 4 Ampong Family

*CURRENT UPDATE:

The Ampongs returned to Lāhainā at the beginning of January. They have since moved 6 times within the Red Cross hotel shelter program. They received a letter under their door stating that this program ends in May 2024. They are still awaiting for longer temporary housing as their home is being fixed.

Red Cross ended their breakfast and lunch meal assistance. Their hotel room does not have a kitchen, nor can they have cooking equipment (microwave, air fryer, etc.)

The Ampongs will need to completely refurnish their home and replace personal items. As well as rebuild their business from square 1. They did not qualify for FEMA’s personal belongings grant and were referred to SBA to take out a loan.

Almost a year later after the devastating fires, the Ampongs still don’t have a place to call “home”. From the beginning their joy has come from the Lord and have always said “God is STILL good!!” They praise God for sparing their lives and for keeping them through these difficult times. They’re thankful to friends, family, and Red Cross to have always had a roof over their heads even though it hasn’t been easy. And of course to all of their DONORS for supporting and filling their needs, BIG and small!! Thank you!!

The Ampongs still need financial assistance as they save for their unknown future, refurnish their home/items, rebuild their business, and pay for daily meals.

ANYTHING helps, please continue to share this GoFundMe. Thank you!!

*UPDATE 8/25/2023

The Ampong Family has flown out to Seattle to take refuge as they figure out what their next steps are. They were lovingly welcomed by family & friends and are being very well taken care of ! Thank you DEEPLY to everyone who has donated and allowed them to have a bit of room to breathe while they process and move. God bless you!

*UPDATES From Ampong Family 8/13/2023:

The severity of the fires had not been clearly communicated, which caused the Ampong family to have to flee on foot (with baby Isla in arms) at one point to save themselves from the flames. After a journey of finding loved ones and going from one shelter to the next, they were able to circle back to their home to see its condition. Their neighborhood turned out to be one of the few that did not get consumed by the fire. Their main car that they had to abandon to flee on foot did not blow up as they expected. Praise God! However, they lost 2 other cars. The house foundation stands but there are damages like fallen trees on the home that caused a hole in the roof, yard damage, mold/heavy smoke/ash damage to the interior, including items. The house is not currently habitable. The family’s office with inventory for their business, was burned to ashes. The Ampong family is displaced at the moment, but lovingly being housed with a friend. The best news is that they are alive and have a house still standing that they can later fix up. Thank you all for your donations and continued support it’s so greatly appreciated !

ORIGINAL UPDATE: They are still following evacuation protocol and are taking shelter directed. Communication has been scarce, since power lines are down and service choppy but per Landa, they “are alive and safe, GOD IS GOOD.” The road ahead will be difficult. They are unsure whether their home is still habitable. Personal items, baby’s items & business items may be damaged.

The future is unclear and we’d love for you to help us support them financially while they figure it out together. Funds will be used for, food, shelter, tickets back to mainland if necessary, replacing income producing items, fixing their home if there is still foundation, holding them down until they’re able to get back on their feet. Thank you so much for any contribution, it will 100% be given directly to the Ampong family. Please keep them in your prayers!