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People's Fund of Maui: Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson pledged $10M for Maui wildfire survivors. They gave much more.

The People’s Fund of Maui provided direct financial assistance to the people of Lahaina and Kula who experienced devastating losses from the Maui wildfires.

Kihei, Maui, Saturday, August 12, 2023 - Bryce Bare recounst his horrific experience of surviving the raging wildfire that raced through the streets of Lahaina. (Photo by Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Maui resident John Rey Serrano reacts while looking from a road above Lahaina Town in the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, western Maui, Hawaii on August 11, 2023. A wildfire that left Lahaina in charred ruins has killed at least 67 people, authorities said on August 11, making it one of the deadliest disasters in the US state's history. Brushfires on Maui, fueled by high winds from Hurricane Dora passing to the south of Hawaii, broke out August 8 and rapidly engulfed Lahaina. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

Launched by Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson, People’s Fund of Maui provided direct financial assistance to the people of Lahaina and Kula who experienced losses from the devastating Maui wildfires.

More than 8,100 residents received monthly disbursements of $1,200, with nearly $60 million distributed to the people of Maui. The intention of the fund was to serve as a bridge to provide cash directly to the families and individuals affected in Lahaina and Kula whose homes were lost or became uninhabitable.

An in-person support center was created in West Maui to provide assistance with the application process, and a Maui call center was available seven days a week to offer help to residents.

People’s Fund of Maui was created in close collaboration and with guidance from local Maui elders and community leaders who offered insight and their blessing of the fund.