The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has expanded its Disaster Micro-Site to include key details about the Hawaiian wildfires and their related logistics needs. The organization has already received its first request for logistics assistance: moving communications equipment to support shelter facilities near Lahaina on the island of Maui.
“We are heartbroken and devastated for the residents of [Maui and the Big Island], especially those who have lost a loved one, a home or—in the case of Lahaina—most of their hometown,” said ALAN executive director Kathy Fulton in a statement. “We are officially channeling that heartbreak into action.
Fulton added, “As assessments are made, we’ll undoubtedly be getting more requests, including many that could come in several weeks or months down the road. That’s why we hope members of the logistics community will visit our Disaster Micro-Site often to view the latest lists of requests—or consider making a pre-offer (https://www.alanaid.org/offerinkind/) of any space, services and equipment they’d be willing to donate to assist with fire relief efforts.”
She also reiterated a request from many members of the non-profit relief community: Please don’t self-deploy to Maui or the Big Island, and refrain from participating in product collection drives.
“Although the intention behind these efforts is good, they often create more challenges than they solve, including getting in the way of rescue efforts. If you truly wish to help, send funds. Cash donations allow non-profits to buy what they need, when and where they need it. And that will help survivors faster.”
Fueled, in part, by Hurricane Dora’s strong offshore winds, the fires on Maui have claimed at least 114 lives [as of Aug. 21] and destroyed more than 2,700 structures, many of which were in the historic town of Lahaina.
Founded in 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, ALAN is a philanthropic, industry-wide organization that provides free logistics assistance to disaster relief organizations before, during and after catastrophic events. It does this by bringing the expertise and resources of the logistics industry together with organizations so that help can arrive sooner, and each relief dollar can be maximized.
