Francis Hussey Lost his home to the Lahaina Fires

Francis Hussey, my brother lost his home and all possessions 8/8/2023 to the devastating Lahaina wild fires.

My name Nia, I am one of Francis sisters. Creating this fundraiser we are hoping to raise funds for clothing, food and shelter while he navigates through this tragedy. Funds are distributed to Francis via Venmo.

On this particular day, my brother Francis was on the bus on the east side of the island when the wild fires started to sweep through his neighborhood. Not knowing the extent of the fires Francis was expecting for the road to open so he may return home. Sadly for him and thousands of others this was far from that. We are just very fortunate that Francis is alive and well unlike many others that have perished.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. We’ve had so many friends and family reach out wanting to know how they can help.

We want to thank you all for your prayers and generosity.

Fa’afetai Lava and Mahalo Nui Loa

Update: We have been overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity. Francis is temporarily sheltered at one of the hotels temporarily and is still able to work at this time. Monies generated through this fundraiser has allowed Francis to buy clothes, purchase medicines and basic necessities that were lost in the fire. We don’t know what the future holds for Francis, but along with our family and everyone it gives him hope that he will be able to remain in Lahaina now and hopefully in the future.

Mahalo

Nia

UPDATE: 09/18/23

Over a month has past and all seems to be foreign as far as where to go or what’s next like so many other families that suffered the same fate or worse. Red Cross and FEMA are present, but still seems difficult with thousands of displaced. Francis thankfully is able work for now. He is still seeking a permanent home which is challenging due to the Lahaina fires. He is housed in one of the hotels on the west side not too far from his home that burnt down. Monies from donations are being used to buy clothes of his own, work shoes, backpacks and basic necessities. Saving most of the donations for whatever comes next. I like to look at the little “wins” which makes it a bit easier for him to push through.

We are extremely thankful for all your generous donations and prayers.

Mahalo

Update: 12/8/2023

Today marks four month since the horrific fires that decimated our home town of Lahaina. It is very different in every aspect. Lahaina will rebuild, but will never be the same.

My brother Francis was able to visit us on Oahu for Thanksgiving and we flew back to Maui to celebrate our uncle's 1st heavenly birthday, uncle Bob would've been 80 y/o on 11/24/23. Uncle Bob lived in Lahaina-his home was not affected, but his two daughters home burnt down. He passed two weeks after the fires due to being stuck in Lahaina with no electricity for medical equipment needed for him. Although it is tragic, we are grateful that he did not suffer excruciating passing like many others in the fire.

Francis is still able to work at this time. He is still being housed in a hotel. Watching many families get moved around from hotel to hotel or relocating to the mainland, can't help but to think when that will happen to my brother? It's hard to find any rentals for long term as cost is ridiculously priced. I keep looking hoping that he will be one of the lucky ones to stumble on a rental that he will be able to afford.

I know it sound monotonous, but I am closing once again with thanking everyone for their continued thoughts and support.

We and Lahaina appreciate all the aloha.

Happy Holidays

Update: 2/5/2024

Happy New Year to everyone!

Francis was able to fly over to O'ahu to celebrate his birthday two weekends ago. Per the birthday persons request we had crab legs. We originally going to celebrate at a seafood buffet, but decided to buy crab legs and dine at grandma's house. It was perfect after stuffing ourselves with all the ono food.

For the new year, Francis was informed that he soon will be placed with FEMA and Red Cross for direct lease in a 1 bedroom condo close to his job sometime in February. Waiting to hear back when we can get him situated. This will give him the capability to be worry free of a place to stay for 18 months. Praying that there will be more programs to assist him and many others after the 18 months. Francis and my nephew were able to go back to the property to sift through hoping to find anything spared by the fires. Unfortunately, my brother Francis wasn't able to return due to the ash. There has been this cough that he has developed since the fires. I pleaded with him to see a doctor and document it. Francis shared that he is not the only one that has this concerning cough. State says it is safe air quality, but how can that be when it's starting to affect people living near the burn zone. As always, I continue to pray for the best for Francis and all other fire survivors.

Thank you all for your generous prayers and donations.

May the new year bring you good health, happiness and joy.

Nia

Update 2/26/2024

Aloha everyone. I just wanted to stop by to give an update. Francis is still in a hotel. Yesterday Red Cross called him and other displaced who are staying at his hotel to advise them that they will need to vacate MKV (the hotel he's staying at) and move over to the Royal Lahaina by weeks end. Per Red Cross, the state of Hawaii would rather all displaced stay at one hotel. MKV is also the property that Francis works at. I want to commend the owners and president of MKV as they have been advocating for their employees and their families from day 1. They understand that if their employees are subjected to move place to place that eventually they may have to move away and even off island. Therefore they will also lose workers who have been servicing the guest at the hotel for years.

As far as being placed in temporary housing with the 18 month direct lease through FEMA and Red Cross, Francis was informed that he did not qualify as his background check came back unfavorable. Therefore, he was not eligible for direct lease program and will be added to a list for a group home. Francis followed up with a FEMA worker to see what that meant. Well, he found out that he was indeed eligible and they got his background check mixed up with someone else who had a misdemeanor on their record. FEMA added Francis back to "the list". Needless to say, the one bedroom condo that he originally was going to get has been given to another. Who know if there will be another opportunity for him to get a place close by his working place. He doesn't have a car so the original place would've been ideal.

Francis's health is a main concern for me. Besides a cough he has, also been having dizzy spell real bad where he is off balance and falls. He has been to his doctor, but they have been dismissive. I had him attend the UH study of fire survivors that continue to line in Lahaina. At least this way it can be documented and if there are any other community resources they can refer him to them.

Our people of Lahaina continue to face uncertainties and little no none support from the state. This is why we are grateful to everyone who has helped and continue to do so.

Mahalo for all the aloha

Nia