Restoring independence for people with disabilities after the Maui fires
“The support and funding that CDP has provided to the community on Maui through our organization has helped put survivors living with disabilities at the forefront of the recovery instead of falling through the cracks. We are deeply grateful for the support, patience and care this organization has provided to us as we navigate this tragedy and become a strong community out of it.” – Jenn Gladwin, Executive Director, Kelea Foundation
Recovery from disasters often involves navigating complex systems and lengthy timelines, making it difficult for survivors to know when life will return to normal. This challenge is often made even greater for people living with disabilities.
One survivor of the 2023 Lahaina fires who needed additional support was Uncle J. After the fires destroyed his mobility scooter, Uncle J urgently needed a replacement to maintain his independence. However, barriers with medical equipment suppliers made it nearly impossible for him to access one on Maui. Over the course of six months, Kelea Foundation’s advocacy specialists coordinated with doctors, insurance providers and equipment suppliers to navigate a stalled and complex approval process.
Despite countless phone calls, paperwork and delays, the team refused to give up. Eventually, once approval was received, it was clear they needed to pick up the scooter from O‘ahu. Kelea Foundation flew to the neighboring island, collected the scooter and personally delivered it to Uncle J’s door.
Uncle J’s story is just one example of how the Kelea Foundation supported Maui residents with disabilities and complex medical needs after the fires.
When the devastating fires swept through Maui in 2023, the Kelea Foundation, a nonprofit focused on making recreation accessible in Hawaii, doubled down on its commitment to helping people with disabilities navigate systems and access the resources they need. From the very first day, team members welcomed people into shelters and collaborated with medical teams to identify individuals with disabilities and complex medical needs, ensuring survivors received equitable support during recovery.
With funding support from a CDP Hawaii Wildfires Recovery Fund grant, Kelea Foundation advocated for survivors, people living with disabilities, people with chronic medical conditions, and older adults, as well as their families and caregivers. Staff connected survivors to crucial services and helped them access medical care and equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and more. Kelea Foundation also helped establish a collaborative “disability hui” of organizations and agencies working together to prevent Maui’s most vulnerable residents from being overlooked.
Throughout the grant term, Kelea Foundation opened 231 support cases and directly assisted 185 fire survivors. The organization delivered over 130 medical and accessibility items and coordinated transportation for more than 50 community donations.
With a focus on helping people access medical care, providing essential equipment, and engaging with the community, the Kelea Foundation demonstrates that true recovery includes everyone. For Uncle J, this support meant more than receiving a mobility scooter — it meant regaining the ability to move through his community independently again. After half a year of waiting, Uncle J finally took his first ride through his new neighborhood. His story reflects Kelea Foundation’s commitment to helping everyone access all aspects of our built and natural environments with dignity and support.
CDP is proud to support the Kelea Foundation in creating a community that is accessible and inclusive for all.
Story by Taylor Chapman