On March 1, 2025, Tzu Chi Hawaii volunteers hosted a “Wellness and Resilience” event at the Binhi At Ani Filipino Community Center in Maui. Residents affected by the 2023 wildfires were invited to find support and relief from prolonged physical and emotional stress through a variety of thoughtful services. With massage, acupuncture, haircuts, and a children’s play area, the event became more than just a gathering – it offered a space for healing and human connection.

Explaining the purpose behind the event, Tzu Chi volunteer Stephanie Fan shared, “I think Tzu Chi is really about spiritual care and healing, especially for these people who’ve been affected by the fire. By offering massage, acupuncture, haircuts, and children’s play, we want to show them that someone really cares.” 

Among those who attended and felt that care was Miguel Ceballos, a father still working to rebuild life for his family after the fire.

The Journey to Recovery After Losing Home

After the August 2023 wildfires in Maui, Miguel Ceballos lost everything – his home, his job, and the stability of daily life. During that chaotic time, he was left to care for his four children alone. In the months that followed, the family was displaced 14 times, moving from hotel to hotel. Each relocation deepened their exhaustion – both physically and emotionally – and the children began to feel helpless.

Due to the fire, I had lost my job, and everything was just at a standstill. It was a family of five – my wife at the time and my four children. But just shortly after, my wife had left, so it was just me and the children.
Miguel Ceballos Maui Wildfires Survivor

He still vividly remembers the overwhelming uncertainty at the time – being in hotels, not knowing what would happen from one day to the next – while trying to hold his family together. Now, standing on the grass where his house once stood, Ceballos points to a patch of land: “This was once my home. This is actually our driveway. We had the master bedroom and the two smaller rooms where the kids would stay. We had been here a total of five years, so two of my children didn’t know any other home. This was their house. This is everything they knew.”

The Warmth of a Blanket

The turning point for Miguel Ceballos in the early days after the fires came when he crossed paths with Tzu Chi volunteers who had arrived to help those affected. “We were invited and were able to go to the location where they were – Kahului,” he recalled. “They actually gave us a card for food. That was the first time we actually had any funds.”

I can't tell you the joy of relief, seeing, ‘Wow, there’s someone out there to help!
Miguel Ceballos Maui Wildfires Survivor

In addition to the cash card, he also received a blanket. This seemingly small gesture became a source of strength for him as he rebuilt his life: “I wanted to say thank you. You’re the one who gave me a blanket. I’ll never forget you. At that time, we were starting to accumulate clothes, and that’s all we had: suitcases and a blanket. This blanket was such a huge symbol for us, knowing that a lot of people helped us out.”

The Feeling of Home

Finally, after months of uncertainty, Miguel Ceballos found a stable housing solution for his family. “We actually were able to find this spot in March of 2024,” he said, adding that he chose to tell his children in a memorable way. “I surprised my children. We came here and I said, ‘We have a place!’”

The furnishings in the new place may be modest at the moment, but to Ceballos, it’s a home, made whole by the warmth of his children and the kindness of strangers. “Everything you see here has been donated – sofas, beds, pots and pans, plates. You can see it at our dinner table, you know, it’s not a complete set, but it’s complete for us. It’s allowed us to feel like we have a home.”

He knew all the effort had been worthwhile when his children began smiling again – smiles that had long been missing. “After a few months here, my oldest daughter, just a few days ago, says, ‘I feel safe.’”

We are definitely looking to be part of this community, rebuilding the community. And Tzu Chi has been such a big help. Just know that we’re thankful. We're so thankful.
Miguel Ceballos Maui Wildfires Survivor

Today, Miguel holds a new vision for what lies ahead: “What I want for the future is to continue to build the foundation for my family, stability, for my children to feel safe.”

The wildfire pushed countless families to the brink of despair. But with the gentle support of Tzu Chi volunteers and the surrounding community, seeds of hope have quietly begun to sprout. Ceballos and his children have found a renewed sense of belonging and the confidence to begin again. On the soil of Maui, Tzu Chi has planted seeds of love through action, helping hearts in pain begin to heal. The power of compassion continues to grow, extending far beyond the disaster and illuminating the path forward for many.

Written by Jennifer Chien
Translated by H.B. Qin
Edited by Ariel Tsai and Ida Eva Zielinska

Source: Maui Wildfire Recovery: Tzu Chi Plants Seeds of Hope and Healing