‍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.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible?

Survivors must:

• Have been directly impacted by the August 2023 Maui wildfires (primary residence destroyed, severely damaged, or located in the burn zone; or lost an eligible Lahaina-based business).
• Demonstrate a current, unmet need that impacts their recovery plan.
• Have exhausted other available resources for the expense (insurance, FEMA, HIHP, etc.).

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2. What is considered a “true unmet need”?

A true unmet need means:

• The survivor cannot pay the expense without risking housing stability, health, or essential recovery progress.
• The need is current and urgent (not a future “just in case” cost).
• The survivor has no alternative funding sources available or remaining.

Example:
✅ Unmet need: Survivor’s temporary housing lease requires a $2,000 deposit they cannot afford, and without it they risk losing safe housing.
❌ Not an unmet need: Survivor can pay their rent from existing income but would prefer to use the grant so they can save money.

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3. Can survivors apply for multiple categories?

Yes, as long as:

• The total request does not exceed $25,000.
• No single category exceeds 4 months of payments (e.g., rent, mortgage, vehicle loan).
• Each category meets the “true unmet need” criteria.

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4. How should “current housing situation” be recorded?

• Temporary Housing: Includes FEMA housing, HIHP, hotels, rentals less than 12 months, or short-term rentals.
• Permanent Housing / Long-Term Rental: A lease of 12+ months or ownership of a rebuilt/repaired home.
• Rent: Use when survivor is renting but term length is unclear or less than a year.
• FEMA or HIHP housing is considered temporary housing.

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5. Can a lease or rental agreement be used as Proof of Residency?

Yes, a signed lease or rental agreement can be used.
Other options include utility bills, mortgage statements, or government-issued ID with the current address.

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6. What does “personal contributions” mean?

Any resources the survivor is contributing toward the expense, including:

• Savings
• Donations from friends/family
• Employer assistance
• Church or community support

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7. Who will the grant reviewer contact after submission?

The grant reviewer will communicate directly with the DCM listed on the application unless otherwise arranged. If the grant reviewer needs to speak with the client, the DCM will be informed.

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8. What is “MDS” and should we spell it out?

Yes – use Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) in full to avoid confusion.

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9. Are Verification & Authorization documents uploaded or kept on file?

DCMs must verify and confirm all required items and keep them in the client file.
Only the specific documents requested in the “Upload Files” section need to be submitted.

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Checklist: Required Documents for Upload by DCM

(Gather before starting the application to avoid delays)

General:

• Photo ID (18+)
• Proof of residency (lease, mortgage, utility bill, etc.)
• Documentation of income
• Insurance award/denial letters (if applicable)
• Vendor quotes/invoices
• Vendor W-9 forms

Category-specific:

• Rent/Security Deposit: Lease agreement, landlord W-9, proof of amount due, deposit requirement
• Mortgage/Down Payment: Mortgage agreement, lender statement, escrow instructions
• Utilities: Past due bill, reconnection letter (if deposit needed)
• Car Repairs/Payments: Estimate/invoice, registration, purchase/lease agreement
• Medical/Dental: Itemized bill, proof of service/treatment plan
• Insurance Premium: Invoice, policy documentation
• Childcare: Invoice from licensed provider, proof of enrollment
• Other Needs: Vendor estimate, DCM justification memo

Grant Review & Communication

• DCM will receive email notifications whenever the application status changes.
• Estimated review timeline: 2–4 weeks, depending on application volume.
• Once approved, MEO will issue payment directly to the vendor within 30 days.

Review Stages:

1. Application Received – Submitted successfully.
2. Application Under Review – First review in process.
3. Pending Additional Info/Documents – More details needed from DCM.
4. Under 2nd Review – Final eligibility and documentation check.
5. Approved / Denied – Decision emailed to DCM.
6. With MEO for Check Processing – Vendor payment in progress.

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