Global HOPE

Severe Weather Update

In late-March 2026, Hawaii experienced back-to-back storms known as Kona Lows that led to severe flooding across the Hawaiian Islands. This flooding represents the worst flooding that Hawaii has seen in more than 20 years. The Governor of Hawaii estimates the damages from these storms at over $1 billion including damage to airports, schools, roads, homes, and a Maui hospital in Kula. While the immediate threat of further flooding has passed, the long road to recovery is just beginning.

The Global HOPE team is in regular communication with the Hawaii Conference staff, ecumenical partners in disaster recovery, and response coordination calls with the national network of voluntary organizations active in disasters (VOAD). At this time, we are working to connect response resources with communities in need – this includes coordination with Church World Service and the potential deployment of clean up kits.

We know that at least three local UCC churches in Hawaii are in communities directly affected by the flooding. We are also aware of several other UCC churches who have made their spaces available as shelters.

As we continue to pray for and support those who experienced unimaginable loss, we invite you to support the UCC’s recovery efforts in the following ways:

Pray for those that have been impacted.

Act by assembling Hygiene Kits and Cleanup Buckets: After a disaster one of the biggest requests is the need for cleanup buckets and hygiene kits. UCC congregations interested in assembling hygiene kits and cleanup buckets are eligible for a matching grant through the Global HOPE office.

Donate to the UCC’s Hawaii Flooding 2026 Appeal. Your gifts will support the long-term recovery efforts of the community, as we work to ensure an equitable approach to long-term recovery in these communities.

Support Communities Impacted by Severe Storms

California Wildfires 2025 Special Appeal Updates HERE

Hurricane 2024 Special Appeal Updates HERE

The Global HOPE team in United Church of Christ Love of Neighbor unit brings together the UCC’s refugee and migration ministries, volunteer engagement, disaster response and recovery, and sustainable development support. The acronym HOPE makes clear the team’s vision: Humanitarian: Opportunities, Partnerships, Empowerment.

Global HOPE also distributes One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) offerings and gifts to special appeals. Your support for OGHS and special appeals makes a tremendous impact close to home and all over the world. Gifts for supporting refugees can be made to the Refugee Emergency Fund. To support response work more broadly, gifts can be designated to “Emergency USA” or “International Emergency” online or by mail. In addition, the following special appeals are open for designated gifts:

Active Appeals

2025 California Wildfires

2024 Hurricane Relief

Hawaii Wildfires Appeal

Ukraine Appeal

Middle East Appeal

Thank you for your gifts, prayers, and engagement, enhancing the work and witness of the church with neighbors around the world.

Global HOPE Ministries

Global HOPE News Feed