MAUI, HI – Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) announces that applications are now open for the Maui Disaster Stabilization Grant, a new grant program that provides up to $25,000 in direct financial support to 2023 Maui Wildfire survivors to assist with their unmet needs for housing, utilities, transportation, home restoration and healthcare costs. Applications are available as of August 21 and will remain open until funds are depleted. 

“The Maui Disaster Stabilization Grant aims to address critical gaps in the long-term recovery process for many families who are still struggling,” states MEO CEO Debbie Cabebe. “Through this $5 million grant from HCF’s Maui Strong Fund, we were able to partner with Hoʻōla LTRG to help wildfire victims who continue to struggle to meet their basic needs.”

Applications for this grant may only be submitted by a Disaster Case Manager (DCM) on behalf of a directly impacted survivor following verification of the survivor’s unmet need. There are no income limitations for eligible survivors, however applicants must be able to provide supporting documentation, such as mortgage or lease agreements, W-9 forms, and 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 helping survivors access resources for their unmet needs, such as this grant,” said Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of Hoʻōla LTRG. "We're grateful to have partners like HCF and MEO who understand that true recovery means to help families achieve stability, not just survive day to day."

Survivors without a DCM may enroll with a participating agency to begin the process. See below for details.

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How to Apply:

Step 1: Connect with a Disaster Case Manager (DCM). Applications can only be submitted by a DCM on behalf of a survivor after the unmet need has been verified.

If you do not have a DCM, enroll with one of the agencies currently accepting new clients:

• Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama – enroll online at mauilongtermrecovery.org/support. For further assistance, call (260) 271-9501.
• Kaibigan ng Lāhaina – email info@kaibigannglahaina.org, call (808) 303-8289, or visit the Lahaina Resource Center (Mon-Wed-Fri, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Jewish Community Services of Hawaiʻi – email aiko@js-hi.org or call (808) 723-0575
• DHS DCMP – call 211 or email dr4724maui@svdpdisaster.org, or contact your assigned DCM

Ohana Hope Village, Hawai’i Community Lending and Roots Reborn are unable to accept new clients. Existing clients at these agencies should contact their assigned case manager for assistance. 

Step 2: DCM Verification and Submission

Your DCM confirms eligibility and submits the application with required documentation (e.g. mortgage/lease agreements, W-9 forms, and relevant bills).

Step 3: Payment Process

Once approved, payments are issued directly to vendors within 30 days.

For additional assistance, please email support@mauilongtermrecovery.org or call (260) 271-9501. 

“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 Hawai’i Community Foundation. “This partnership with MEO and Ho’ōla 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 www.hawaiicommunityfoundation.org