Adventist Organizations Step Up to Help Recovery Efforts in Maui
21 August 2023 |
According to a recent press release, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is collaborating with Adventist Health and Adventist Community Services (ACS) to aid in the recovery of Maui communities impacted by devastating wildfires. Over $100,000 in goods and cash is being contributed by ADRA to bolster the efforts of ACS and Adventist Health in response to the wildfires that have tragically claimed the lives of over 114 Hawaiians. The fires, believed to have been ignited by a malfunctioning electrical system and exacerbated by wind gusts from Hurricane Dora, have ravaged more than 2,000 homes, residential villages, and a significant portion of the island’s west side, displacing thousands.
Imad Madanat, vice president of programs for ADRA International, expressed profound sorrow over the catastrophe and reaffirmed ADRA’s commitment as the church’s global humanitarian arm. The organization will assist and support Adventist Community Services and Adventist Health in their continued efforts to provide emergency aid, relief, and care to Maui’s affected residents.
To address the immediate needs of medical professionals who are also dealing with personal losses due to the wildfires, ADRA will fund the procurement of vital laptops. These devices will equip healthcare staff to offer urgent medical care to the community. John Schroer, Adventist Health Global Missions Systems lead, emphasized the critical role of resources like mobile computer devices in facilitating medical professionals to provide essential care amid the crisis.
ADRA is also donating a range of emergency supplies, including over 46 pallets of tents that double as temporary shelters and storage units, tarps, shelter-building toolkits, and solar-powered lamps, all aimed at supporting the recovery operations in Lahaina. W. Derrick Lea, North American Division community services director, voiced appreciation for ADRA’s contributions and cited previous collaborative efforts, such as during Hurricane Harvey. Upon the supplies’ arrival in Maui, local Adventist church volunteers will play an integral role in their distribution to communities in need.
ADRA’s full press release can be read here.
