Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson Launch the Maui People’s Fund: Maui Now

In response to devastating wildfires and immediate needs in the community, media moguls Oprah Winfrey And Dwayne Johnson It announced the creation of a “Maui People’s Fund” to distribute funds directly to the displaced and those affected by the fire. The fund is being launched with an initial $10 million donated by Winfrey and Johnson and a call to action for others to contribute to meaningful and ongoing relief efforts.

“Through close collaboration with a respected advisory board and support from the local community and respected elders, this new fund will serve as a bridge to provide funds directly to affected families and individuals so that they can personally determine how best to use the funds for themselves.”, according to a press release.

According to the announcement, every adult resident (18 years and over) who lives in the affected area and was displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina and Kula, is eligible for $1,200 per month to help them through this recovery period.

“I’ve been meeting with people across the community who have been affected by the fires over the past few weeks, asking them what they need most and how I can serve them,” said Oprah Winfrey. “The main thing I heard was their concern about how to move forward with the enormous financial burden. The community has come together in so many wonderful ways, and my intention is to support those affected as they shape what rebuilding looks like for them.

“As people around the world watched the catastrophic loss and destruction caused by the Maui wildfires, they also witnessed the great spirit and resilience of our Polynesian culture and the tremendous strength of the Maui people. Even in the toughest times, the people of Maui come together and rise up,” said Dwayne Johnson. That makes us stronger.” “We are so grateful to work alongside the esteemed community leaders of Maui to launch the Maui People’s Fund. These leaders provide their guidance to ensure our fund can put money directly into the hands of the people most affected. To all who have already offered your help, thank you for your support and to those who want to help now, your prayers and resources are a welcome help to the displaced within the Maui community. I also want to express my deep gratitude to all of the first responders, local organizations, and every individual who has worked tirelessly on the ground to respond to this crisis.

To contribute to the Maui People’s Fund visit PeoplesFundofMaui.org. All net proceeds will go to those directly affected in Maui.

If you are an affected resident, please visit the website for more information here.

The fund was established with the guidance, visions, and blessings of community elders, leaders, and residents including Hokolani Holt Padilla, Kelly Richell, Archie Calleba, Ikolo Lindsey, Kimo Falconer, Tiare Lawrence, Kaimana Brommel, and Caliqua Ka. ‘eo, Brian Keulana, Kaimi Kanholani, Hinohya Kane, Bailey Kiakuna, Ed Swangendar, Chip Gordon and Jason Momoa.

The People’s Fund of Maui is a fund of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, a four-star philanthropic affiliate of Charity Navigator that meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s charitable standards and bears the explicit Platinum Transparency Seal. Seed funding is provided by Oprah Winfrey through the Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and Dwayne Johnson.