Volunteer Homebuilding Program Launched for Wildfire Recovery

Volunteers engaged in homebuilding activities in a wildfire affected community.

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News Summary

The Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group has launched a new volunteer program to rebuild homes affected by the devastating 2023 wildfires, supported by a $760,528 grant from the Maui Strong Fund. The program aims to address the critical funding gaps for families unable to rebuild on their own, with an initial focus on completing five homes, expanding to 10 to 20 annually. Community support is crucial as volunteers will transform buildings into sleeping quarters while local organizations select eligible homeowners. Construction starts in October 2025, alongside a Deferred Payment Loan Program to assist middle-income families.

Exciting New Volunteer Homebuilding Program Launched to Rebuild Homes After Devastating Wildfires

In a wonderful step towards recovery, the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (LTRG) is kicking off a new volunteer program aimed at rebuilding homes devastated by the wildfires that struck in 2023. This initiative is supported by an impressive $760,528 grant from the Maui Strong Fund, part of the Hawai’i Community Foundation.

The focus of this fresh program is to fill critical funding gaps for families who find themselves unable to rebuild their homes on their own. It’s no secret that the wildfires caused tremendous damage, leaving many families in dire situations. The volunteer homebuilding program, however, is designed to pave the way for these families to regain a foothold.

Focusing on Immediate Needs

Initially, the program aims to tackle the rebuilding of just five homes. While it may sound small, this is just the starting point! The vision is to develop a scalable model that can see the completion of anywhere between 10 to 20 homes annually. It’s about creating a sustainable approach to recovery that can evolve over time as more funds and volunteers come through.

Community Support is Key

The grant is seen as a true catalyst for community recovery. An 18-month lease has already been secured through the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu for two buildings that survived the fire at Sacred Hearts School. These structures will soon be transformed into volunteer sleeping quarters, making it easier for those wishing to lend a helping hand.

Additionally, the Hoʻōla Rebuild Coalition, which includes various local organizations, will be instrumental in selecting which homeowners will receive assistance. They’ll be working alongside families to create recovery plans and will help tap into resources like grants and volunteer work.

Case Management Gets a Boost

The Hoʻōla LTRG is fully committed to supporting wildfire survivors in their recovery journey. They lead a Disaster Case Management Coalition, currently featuring 17 dedicated case managers, who are being provided with ongoing training and support to assist families effectively.

As part of their efforts, Hoʻōla Maui is also facilitating a funder roundtable that invites philanthropic partners to offer additional help to families dealing with complex needs. The goal is clear: no family should have to face this recovery process alone.

Looking Ahead: Housing and Financial Support

Construction for the new volunteer program is expected to kick off in October 2025. Meanwhile, to assist middle-income families who have been hit hard by the wildfires, a Deferred Payment Loan Program (DPLP) has been announced. This program is particularly aimed at providing support to those families who typically wouldn’t qualify for federal disaster recovery grants。

The DPLP is the result of a collaborative effort involving various local entities, including the County of Maui and Hawaii Community Foundation. Discussions around affordable construction services and implementing fire-resistant building measures during the rebuilding process are also on the table.

Disaster Relief Fund Use and Community Concerns

Maui County is gearing up to send a plan to utilize $1.6 billion in disaster relief funds for recovery efforts, focusing heavily on housing support and reimbursement options for those rebuilding their lives. This plan aims to address concerns regarding single-family homes and multifamily rental options more effectively.

As of now, 380 building permits have been issued for reconstruction, but only 10 homes have officially been completed. Community feedback is prompting local officials to rethink strategies for effectively using federal housing grant funds to address the pressing need for financial assistance.

With ongoing recovery efforts and a strong community-driven approach taking center stage, there’s much to look forward to as everyone works together to rise from the ashes of the wildfires. Continued support and coordination within the community will be crucial in the days to come.