Awarded in late 2024, these grants remain central to the organization’s ability to serve wildfire survivors today—helping transform a community vision into a functioning nonprofit leading Maui’s long-term recovery.

CDP provided a $258,750 grant to Ho‘ōla LTRG. With this investment, Ho‘ōla LTRG was able to hire its first two staff members—an Executive Director and Resource Management Coordinator—who have since launched five cornerstone programs: Disaster Case Management, Rebuild and Construction Services, Volunteer Services, the Funders’ Unmet Needs Roundtable, and development of the Lahaina Resiliency Hub.

Maui United Way’s $250,000 grant supported critical startup expenses including technology, office systems, business licensing, branding, and communications. This early funding gave Ho‘ōla LTRG the infrastructure and credibility to establish itself quickly as a trusted leader in the recovery space.

“Their trust and their genuine desire to support wildfire survivors allowed us to stand up programs that are now helping families navigate case management, rebuild their homes, and find strength in community spaces like the Lahaina Resiliency Hub,” said Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of Ho‘ōla LTRG. “What began as seed funding continues to grow into lasting impact for Maui.”

“CDP recognizes that strong local leadership is essential for long-term recovery,” said Sharad Aggarwal, vice president of fund management & coalition building at CDP. “By supporting Ho‘ōla LTRG, we are ensuring that Maui has an organization rooted in the community, equipped to respond with compassion, accountability, and resilience for years to come.”

“Maui United Way is proud to have been part of Ho‘ōla LTRG’s beginnings,” said MUW Interim CEO, Jeeyun Lee. “By investing early, we helped make sure this organization could hit the ground running. Their progress shows what’s possible when the right resources are placed in the hands of community-led recovery.”

Together, these grants laid the groundwork for Ho‘ōla LTRG’s ongoing work with hundreds of families navigating the long road to rebuilding their homes and lives.

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