The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation (HCF), through its Maui Strong Fund, has awarded $5 million to Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) for a new program that will provide up to $25,000 in financial support to 2023 Maui wildfire survivors to assist with housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, home restoration, and healthcare costs. Applications are now open to the public and will remain available until funds are depleted.

Debbie Cabebe, chief executive officer at MEO, says, “The Maui Disaster Stabilization Grant Program aims to address critical gaps in the long-term recovery process for many families who are still struggling. Through this $5 million grant from HCF’s Maui Strong Fund, we were able to partner with Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group (Hoʻōla iā LTRG) to help wildfire victims who continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.”

Case managers from Hoʻōla iā LTRG will assist each family through the application process and help to determine their unique areas of need. Applicants will be required to provide government identification, proof of residency and income, and supporting documents such as mortgage or lease agreements and other bills to verify financial need.

“Our case managers recognize that the road to recovery for our residents has been long and difficult, and they specialize in assisting applicants through the grant process,” said Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Hoʻōla iā LTRG. “We’re grateful to have partners like HCF and MEO that understand that true recovery means helping families achieve stability, going beyond just basic, day-to-day survival.”

Families in need are encouraged to apply by completing a “Disaster Case Management and Survivor Support” intake form at the Long Term Recovery Group website: www.mauilongtermrecovery.org/support. Intake forms can also be completed in person at the Lahaina Resource Center, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Lahaina Gateway, 325 Keawe Street, Suite B102, Lahaina, HI 96761.

Once approved, payments will be issued directly to vendors providing services to affected households within 30 days.

“For nearly two years, we’ve walked alongside Maui’s wildfire survivors, inspired by their courage and resilience,” said Keanu Lau Hee, senior director of the Maui Recovery Effort at the Hawaiʻi Community Foundation. “This partnership with MEO and Hoʻōla iā LTRG is about rebuilding lives and nurturing hope for the future. We are deeply grateful to the donors of the Maui Strong Fund for making this lifeline possible.”

For more information on the Maui Strong Fund, visit: hawaiicommunityfoundation.org/strengthening/maui-strong-fund