A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), a shared outreach ministry of the Episcopal Churches of Maui and Friends, is looking to restart operations and begin with weekly mission runs on Wednesdays in the Central Maui area. ACCW’s roving care van will serve the areas of Central Maui where the larger homeless populations are gathered, including portions of old Wailuku Town, Beach Road, Kanaha, Kahului Industrial, and areas around and near the Kahului Salvation Army.

“Our mission continues to offer water, nutrition, hygiene, masks, and comfort to Maui’s neediest citizens, along with offering spiritual food, hope and referrals for those who desire it,” said Deb Lynch, ACCW President. “The South and West Maui mission runs are currently still on hold until further notice. ACCW has also supplied other on-going outreach programs, such as Maui Mental Health Kokua, Hale Kaukau, and the Salvation Army, with perishable food items, hygiene and first aid.”

ACCW began their direct services mission in 2013 as a no-salary, all-volunteer mission that does not accept any government grants or funding.  It has its own independent supply chain of water, non-perishable food, hygiene, clothing, first aid and other needs. In 2019, they made almost 10,000 homeless service contacts through their weekly mission runs to Central, South, and West Maui.

“Thanks to our core of volunteers from within the community, and our wide range of supporters, the program has grown into a very loved outreach ministry for the island,” Lynch said. “Van drivers and riders, storage and distribution room organizers, administrators, donors, and other volunteers, are a shining example of how dedicated people bring compassion into the public arena to serve those in need. During this time of great need, we encourage everyone to vigorously support local frontline charities with monetary or food donations. For example, support is always needed at the Maui Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Feed My Sheep, Family Life Center, Hale Kaukau of St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Ka Ohana Kitchen of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, Maui Rescue Mission, Ka Hale A Ke Ola, and food pantries. Every outreach ministry of our greater community could use help.”