PGC's Work in Providing Immediate Relief and Equitable Recovery for Limited English-Proficient Lahaina Fire Survivors

Overview:

Shortly after the Lahaina fire, PGC joined forces with immigrant-serving organizations to address the urgent needs of Lahaina’s 30% foreign-born population. Our early response focused on overcoming language barriers and quickly providing resources.

Timeline of Key Events

  • Early Response:

    • Convening immigrant-serving organizations.

    • Identifying language access as a top priority.

  • Launching the Multilingual Hotline:

    • One month post-fire, we launched Hawaii’s first multilingual hotline.

    • Languages supported: Ilocano, Tagalog, Spanish, Tongan, Chuukese, and Marshallese.

  • Formation of Collaborative Committees:

    • Creation of the Maui Emergency Response Group.

    • Establishment of the Standing Language Access Workgroup to directly address on-the-ground needs.

  • Training & Webinars:

    • Hosted acculturation webinars to educate survivors on accessing FEMA, DUA, WIC, and more.

    • Provided training for 15 newly-recruited Bilingual Kōkua Navigators.

  • IRC Satellite Office Launch:

    • Opened a new community hub in Wailuku to serve as a multilingual resource center.

  • Securing Future Support:

    • Awarded a $1.25M grant from the Maui Strong Fund to sustain and expand our services.

At the beginning of the 2023 Lahaina fire, Pacific Gateway Center (PGC) mobilized immediately to support the immigrant and limited English proficient community. By leveraging a multilingual hotline, collaborative response groups, and community-driven initiatives, we made sure every survivor could access the help they needed.

  • “I was overwhelmed after the fire, but the hotline connected me with a bilingual navigator who helped me secure housing and legal assistance. Their care made all the difference.”

Multilingual Hotline

Purpose:

Immediate access to interpreters for LEP survivors, ensuring equitable access to essential resources.

Key Details:

  • Operating Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

  • Technologies: Utilizes Pear Suite’s care navigation system.

Impact:

  • 327 calls and 99 texts received in the first month.

  • 979 calls and 279 texts were received from October to December of 2023.

  • Languages Provided: Chuukese, Marshallese, Ilocano, Tagalog, Spanish, and Tongan.

Programs & Initiatives

Collaborative Response Groups

Maui Emergency Response Group:

  • Weekly meetings connecting community leaders, federal agencies (e.g., FEMA, Red Cross), and local service providers to address immediate challenges.

    Standing Language Access Workgroup:

  • Regular meetings (Mondays and Thursdays) to create multilingual resources (e.g., weekly 2-minute videos) and ensure language access during crises.

Training & Capacity Building

Acculturation Webinars & In-Person Trainings:

  • Empowered over 86 community participants with vital information on accessing federal and local support.

    Staff Onboarding & Case Management Training:

  • Hired and trained bilingual case managers to provide comprehensive, ongoing support as part of our long-term recovery efforts.

IRC Satellite Office

  • The new facility in Wailuku serves as a hub for legal, social, and immigration services.

    • Functions: Client meetings and workshops.

    • Coordination of outreach events.

    • Direct provision of immigration and social services.

Looking Ahead:

With the recent $1.25M grant from the Maui Strong Fund, we are poised to expand our services and deepen our commitment to the LEP community. Our future initiatives include:

  • Expanding case management services.

  • Enhancing multilingual resources.

  • Strengthening partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Get Involved:

Join us in rebuilding lives and fostering community resilience.

  • Volunteer: Share your skills and time.

  • Donate: Help us secure a better future for Lahaina survivors.

  • Partner: Collaborate with us to extend our reach.

Contact Us

Email
mirc@pacificgatewaycenter.org

Phone
(808) 633-4132