Tulsi Gabbard founded the all-volunteer nonprofit organization We Must Protect in 2023. Now a 501(c)(3) registered in all 50 states, the group is dedicated to supporting communities during their most critical times of need, spearheading projects to serve and protect our people, our planet, and our God-given rights.
We Must Protect connects people who want to be of service through volunteerism, in-kind contributions, or financial support and thoughtfully determines how and where its volunteers and sponsors can make the greatest impact. Every expense is made frugally and transparently.
2023 Maui Fires
In the wake of the devastating August 8th, 2023 wildfires that tore through Lahaina and UpCountry Kula, Tulsi Gabbard and a team of We Must Protect volunteers mobilized immediately, delivering life-saving supplies and satellite radios to restore communication on the ground. Over the following weeks, We Must Protect raised nearly $100,000 to provide critical resources for survivors and coordinated with local officials to airlift and ship in essentials like tents, tables, 5-gallon water jugs, and food.
By December, Tulsi’s efforts turned to healing. In partnership with Molly and Kai Lenny on Maui, We Must Protect brought holiday joy to families who survived the fires, including food, toiletries, gifts, over 1,000 homemade cookies, and $100 Visa gift cards distributed to 508 families, 401 teachers, and 100 first responders across West Maui.
2024 Hurricane Helene
Immediately after Hurricane Helene destroyed communities in North Carolina and the surrounding areas, Tulsi Gabbard and We Must Protect volunteers were on the ground providing pallets of life saving supplies, including generators, heaters, chainsaws, fuel, medical supplies, cold-weather gear and Starlink.
In the disaster’s aftermath, thousands of homes were completely destroyed, leaving families displaced and living in temporary accommodations such as campers, churches, hotels, or with relatives. With minimal assistance from FEMA, many families lacked the resources and a clear path forward to rebuild their homes.
In response to this crisis, We Must Protect shifted its focus to address the critical need for rebuilding homes and communities. By assembling a team of local licensed builders, partnering with regional building supply companies to secure donated materials, and leveraging the power of community volunteers, We Must Protect has been providing the resources necessary to rebuild and repair homes.
Learn more at wemustprotect.org