Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers has confirmed the loss of its 78-unit Westside Center in Lahaina.
KHAKO Executive Director Monique R. Ibarra said: “With a police escort, I saw firsthand the destruction of our Lahaina shelter on Wednesday night. All the buildings are gone. Wildfire reduced them to ashes and debris. This morning, I informed the residents who escaped Tuesday afternoon with little more than the clothes they were wearing. It was heartbreaking.”
Overall, more than 140 people were evacuated from the Westside Center, which was built in 2003 and had 30 two-bedroom apartment units leased to long-term residents. Another 48 units provided emergency shelter for families and individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. Over 25 residents were taken by KHAKO staff to the Wailuku shelter for emergency housing. Several other families also found shelter at the facility.
“Even as we are beginning to see the immense scale of this disaster, it’s encouraging to see our Maui community rally to help those who’ve lost so much in this tragedy,” Ibarra said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the fire victims, their families and friends. We are also very grateful for the heroic emergency response by firefighters, police and other first responders. Mahalo to the County of Maui, our Board of Directors, our generous donors and community partners for their support.”
KHAKO is requesting emergency donations of blankets, pillows and towels for evacuated families. For more information or to make a donation, call (808) 242-7600.