Community Chat

[bikerbabe]

I’m so glad someone mentioned the Red Cross because I will NOT donate to them!

They are mismanaged, treat workers poorly, charge those in needs for items that should be free, and a large percentage of funds go to “administrative costs”.

If you wish to donate during any disaster, there are much better choices, such as World Central Kitchen.

[ThinkingOutLoud]

I won't ever donate to Red Cross either. One thing I heard was about them showing up to a place after a natural disaster and they were handing out buckets of supplies. Once they got the photo op, they left. The buckets were empty.

[Mz iMac]

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@goldensrbest wrote:

I am not sure who is to blame ,for the fire  it is just so tragic, where are people to live, there are so many hotels there,wonder if they are helping.

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@goldensrbest   Wednesday on NBC national news, this guy (top on the ground FEMA boss?) from FEMA stated that they were in the process of moving people from the shelters to hotels as well as "unoccupied vacations" homes.  They will be given vouchers.  There was no mention of "tent cities" or "pop up motor homes" like FEMA did for the Kitrina victims. 

[Lakelife62]

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@PinkMomi wrote:

@elated 

Yes, I am very well aware of how much it cost to live in Hawai'i because I have lived here my entire life.

FEMA (almost 900 people now) has been here since August 10th. They are actively helming the Search & Recovery in Lahaina as well as assisting folks with aid. The people waiting for more assistance may be in outer areas that have lost power & water, but may still have their homes. It is slow, but they are offering help to all that apply.

When people repeat info that is not ENTIRELY true, this spreads misinformation and mistrust. I am stating a fact; I'm not saying people are doing it deliberately. Although, some may be doing so to highlight & sensationalize. The national news media has even had reports that didn't tell the whole story.

Being "judge & jury" is detrimental to everyone when one jumps to conclusions without all the facts.

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Bravo to you @PinkMomi . Keep telling the truth about what is happening locally, despite those who will try to counter.

For some people here, everything is a conspiracy, the government always lies and some posters insinuate they are privy to info only a chosen few know. They follow media which has created an alternate political reality. Essentially propaganda.Even in the face of this kind of tragedy caused by years of drought, high winds and power lines, they look to blame the government for mother nature's power. Then they deny the government is/will/can help, even when the feds are on the ground. Classic.

For sure there were mistakes as you said. But these kind of climate related events are going to keep happening in the midst of all the denial and finger pointing. Keep doing you and speaking truth from a perspective of someone who actually lives there.

Good thoughts going out to you and all who have been impacted. 

[Lakelife62]

American Red Cross is a 4 star (Great) charity according to Charity Navigator.

They scored 97% in finance, accountability, leadership, values, impact and other metrics.

World Central Kitchen is also a 4 star rated charity scoring 100% in all the above metrics!

People should feel comfortable donating to either.

[on the bay]

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@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

@PinkMomi  For you to speak of spreading misinformation when you have done just that earlier in this thread raises an eyebrow to say the least.

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I've got to say @ThinkingOutLoud,

@PinkMomi says she lives in Hawaii!

How much more accurate info can you get?

Where are you getting your information that you feel is not misinformation?

[PinkMomi]

@Lakelife62 @on the bay 

Thank you for sticking up for me! I appreciate you both!

And all those who gave me hearts 💕 

I read threads on the forum all the time, yet I do not post a lot... mostly because I see how one can get attacked for almost anything. Yet, I felt that trying to relay accurate information about my home state was important. 

I don't live on a Maui now, but use to work on the island. I get to see our local news reports & have talked to people on Maui. My DH works for a news team and was there last week. He's talked story with locals, government officials, FEMA agents, and firefighters. He leaves for Maui again tomorrow and will be there for a week. He is aware of what gets reported as opposed to what's actually happening.

Fortunately, the news team he works with reports only facts, they adhere to very strict guidelines. They don't seek out sensational headlines.

[THEY CallMe Mr Wilkes]

I will be included among those who have no confidence in and have great distrust of The American Red Cross.

It will never get another cent of my modest charitable donation budget.

And I can determine for myself where I do and do not have "comfort."  It is not with this particular organization. 

[Greeneyedlady21]

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@on the bay wrote:

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@ThinkingOutLoud wrote:

@PinkMomi  For you to speak of spreading misinformation when you have done just that earlier in this thread raises an eyebrow to say the least.

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I've got to say @ThinkingOutLoud,

@PinkMomi says she lives in Hawaii!

How much more accurate info can you get?

Where are you getting your information that you feel is not misinformation?

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Pay no attention, the poster always thinks she has the correct information and others don't. Plus it comes from a place of bias.

Quite arrogant to think one knows better than someone who actually lives there.

[4kitties]

We have no idea where posters on this forum live.  We are all anonymous and there is no way to verify one's address.

When donating to any charity one should always make sure it is legitimate.