Waimanalo, Oʻahu – A program providing housing for individuals experiencing homelessness is pivoting from recovery to relief, offering assistance to those impacted by recent flooding on other Hawaiian islands. Hui Mahiai Aina, itself severely damaged by the storms that swept through the state earlier this month, is now organizing donations to support flood victims on Molokaʻi.
The organization’s tiny home village was inundated with as much as five feet of water during the Kona low storms, forcing roughly 30 residents, including numerous kupuna (elders) and individuals with medical needs, to evacuate to Kaneohe District Park. Despite the devastation, the community is demonstrating resilience and a commitment to helping others facing similar hardship.
“It was heartbreaking because we just had to leave our homes within 20 minutes, and we couldn’t really take anything with us,” said Jeremiah Hussey, a resident of Hui Mahiai Aina. “It’s a community, so it’s almost like having to leave your family behind.”
Floodwaters Submerge Waimanalo Housing Program
The flooding, which struck earlier this month, caused significant damage to the Hui Mahiai Aina village. Two pallet homes and several tents were damaged, leaving residents temporarily displaced. Program CEO Blanche McMillan described a frantic effort to ensure the safety of residents as the water rose. “We had a lot of sickly here, so I had to take them out. When I took them out, that’s when it became five feet high of water. No emergency cars could come in, we had to do whatever I could do, was just to save our people,” McMillan stated.
Volunteers and heavy machinery were deployed on Sunday to begin the cleanup process, removing debris and relocating a tiny home. Donations, which had been intended for survivors of the Maui wildfires, were unexpectedly available after needs on Maui were met. Hawaii News Now reported that the containers of supplies were returned to Oʻahu, allowing Hui Mahiai Aina to redirect them to those in need.
From Disaster Relief Recipients to Donors
Now, Hui Mahiai Aina is preparing to ship the undamaged goods to Molokaʻi, which has also been grappling with the aftermath of recent flooding. The organization is focused on providing practical support to those affected. “We’re cleaning it up, and we want to help others, the good ones, we can help other islands,” McMillan said. “We try to do our best to survive here and try to continue to bless everyone.”
The shift from receiving aid to providing it underscores the strong sense of community within Hui Mahiai Aina. Despite facing their own challenges, residents and staff are determined to extend a helping hand to others. This act of generosity highlights the often-overlooked capacity for empathy and support within vulnerable populations.
How to Support Hui Mahiai Aina’s Efforts
Those wishing to support Hui Mahiai Aina’s relief efforts can contact Blanche McMillan directly at (808) 341-5548 or via email at [email protected]. The organization is accepting donations to help cover the costs of shipping supplies to Molokaʻi and continuing their work providing housing and support services to individuals experiencing homelessness on Oʻahu.
Looking ahead, Hui Mahiai Aina will continue its recovery efforts while simultaneously assisting those impacted by the flooding on Molokaʻi. The organization’s ability to respond to the needs of others, even while navigating its own challenges, demonstrates the power of community resilience and the importance of supporting organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable populations. Share this story to help spread awareness of Hui Mahiai Aina’s work and encourage others to contribute to their vital mission.
