Wildfire wreckage is shown Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Rick Bowmer / AP Photo

Wildfires on the island of Maui, Hawaii have claimed the lives of at least 53 people so far, while officials estimate that around 1,000 other individuals are missing. The fires are believed to have started from brush fires on Tuesday, with the historic city of Lahaina bearing the worst. It has since burned through hundreds of buildings, leaving thousands of people without a home or shelter. In a news conference on Friday, Gov. Josh Green shared that it could take many years and billions of dollars to rebuild what is lost.

The D.C. region has a thriving Hawaiian community, and many are worried about the safety and wellbeing of their loved ones on the island. Kaimana Chee, a local halau instructor and chef, says the disaster on Maui hits close to home.

“Aunts, uncles, cousins and even extended ‘ohana and friends have been ultimately displaced from their homes and lost everything,” says Chee. “Unfortunately that is only the beginning of the tumultuous journey of recovery that lies ahead.”

At this time, Chee says that the best thing for people in the D.C. region to do is to reschedule any planned visits to the state, not only in Maui. For those with directly affected friends and family, he urges the need to designate one point of contact to receive and deliver information, that way there’s less impact on the limited communication capabilities. Lastly, he says it’s crucial to turn to legitimate charitable organizations, “the more local the better.”

As the situation continues to develop, several groups are already on the ground and others are organizing from afar to support those affected by the wildfires.

Here are a few ways to help locally:

World Central Kitchen: The D.C.-based nonprofit founded by local celebrity chef and humanitarian, Jose Andres, is on Maui to provide food and water for first responders, affected residents, and tourists. Their teams are partnering with local restaurants and food trucks to serve comforting meals. One-time donations can be made here.

Quince Blossom Ridge Bouquets For Maui: Located less than an hour from D.C., this flower farm and wedding venue is selling bouquets to benefit Maui Rapid Response. All proceeds from bouquet sales will be donated to MRR to directly help the people of Maui with supplies and shelter. $25 Bouquets are available for pickup from Buttercream Bakeshop at 1250 9th St NW on Friday, August 11 from 2 to 6 p.m. They will also be available on Saturday, August 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the bakeshop and the farm at 4465 Bryantown Road in Waldorf, MD.

Tiffany MacIsaac runs Buttercream Bakeshop and was born on Maui. While her immediate family is safe and accounted for, she says many family friends have lost all their belongings. While she wishes she was on the ground to cook for victims or offer housing, she is glad to partner with the flower farm to take donations and help get supplies directly to evacuation centers.

“I’ve never felt farther from my family than I do right now,” says MacIsaac. “When raising money for supplies is the only thing you can do, then you find a way to get it done!”

The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington: This organization has opened the Hawaii Wildfire Relief Fund to directly support victims and those affected with baby food, toiletries, first-aid kits, and more. “The people and communities in Hawaii need us, and it is our responsibility as a Jewish community to support those in need,” said Gil Preuss, the CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington.

Here are some organizations on the national level working to provide support:

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement: This Oahu-based nonprofit is partnering with local businesses and community organizations to match up to $1 million in donations made for those affected by the wildfires. Donations can be made here.

Hawai’i Community Foundation: Through the Maui Strong Fund, this organization is taking donations to provide rapid response and recovery efforts. They’re working with state and local leaders to address the changing needs of those affected by the wildfires, including shelter, food, and financial assistance. Local non profit organizations seeking funds can also apply for support.