Recently, Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Hoʻōla iā LTRG) successfully hosted an eight-module Disaster Case Management (DCM) training program, equipping seventeen staff from four organizations—Hoʻōla LTRG, Hawaiʻi Community Lending, Kaibigan ng Lahaina, and Roots Reborn—with the skills and knowledge to support disaster-affected individuals and families on their recovery journeys.

Disaster Case Management is a comprehensive and holistic approach to recovery that extends beyond immediate relief to provide long-term support. A trained Disaster Case Manager serves as a survivor’s primary point of contact, helping them navigate complex recovery needs, access resources, and advocate for their long-term well-being. DCMs walk alongside survivors, listening to their stories, understanding their losses, and ensuring recovery efforts align with their needs.

“Disaster Case Management isn't just a process—it's a promise to walk with survivors until they are truly home again,” said Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of Hoʻōla iā LTRG. “This training has planted seeds of trust and transformation that will grow throughout our community. Each case manager brings their own heart, language, and lived experience to the work. That’s how we restore hope—one connection at a time.”

Within two weeks of completing the training, a newly trained DCM successfully presented an unmet needs case to Hoʻōla LTRG’s Resources Roundtable, securing funding from several organizations to support their client’s recovery. The coalition is already working on additional cases for presentation later this month, demonstrating the immediate impact of this collaborative effort.

The training, facilitated by Jessica Farmer and Carlene Anders of the Disaster Leadership Team, empowered participants with the skills to serve as trusted guides for survivors. The newly formed Hoʻōla LTRG DCM coalition stands ready to support Maui’s community in healing and rebuilding. The training was sponsored by the American Red Cross.

“This training has strengthened Hawaiʻi Community Lending's capacity to serve our clients by equipping us to act as holistic disaster case managers when needed,” said Stephanie Espiritu, Navigation Specialist, Hawaiʻi Community Lending. “With this knowledge and a commitment to collaboration with other organizations rather than working in isolation, we can provide more comprehensive and effective support to our clients.”

“Roots Reborn has been waiting for an auxiliary pathway that truly sees and validates the unique recovery needs of our migrant and immigrant communities,” said Veronica Mendoza-Jachowski, Founding Executive Director of Roots Reborn. “It's truly an honor to be part of this coalition, and I hope it inspires similar efforts nationwide, demonstrating that advocating for and reaching our underserved communities is possible.”

“What we gained from this training goes far beyond casework. We now carry the responsibility and privilege of ensuring our community members are not forgotten, and that their stories lead the way,” said Sieny Corpuz, Director of Community Operations for Kaibigan ng Lahaina.

“Hoʻomaikaʻi to each Disaster Case Manager and mahalo to their organizations for embracing a collaborative approach,” added Alexander-Monkres. “Their commitment helps ensure survivors are supported with care, dignity, and the resources they need to move forward.”

For more information on the Hoʻōla iā LTRG Disaster Case Management Program and how to support recovery efforts, please contact Stephen Van Bueren, Hoʻōla Resource Management Coordinator, at stephen@mauilongtermrecovery.org or visit www.mauilongtermrecovery.org
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About Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term RecoveryGroup (Hoʻōla iā LTRG):
Hoʻōla iā LTRG, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, unites local organizations,leaders, and partners to support Maui’s recovery from the August 2023wildfires. The group focuses on providing resources and coordinating recoveryefforts to help survivors rebuild their lives and ensure a sustainable,resilient future for the community. www.mauilongtermrecovery.org

About Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL):
Hawaiʻi Community Lending is a U.S. Treasury-certified Native CommunityDevelopment Financial Institution (CDFI) that makes loans to homebuilders,homebuyers, and homeowners, along with technical assistance and grants toprevent foreclosure. HCL is Hawai‘i’s premier nonprofit mortgage lender,helping local and Hawaiian families navigate the path to homeownership.  www.hawaiicommunitylending.com

About Kaibigan ng Lahaina:
Founded by Eric Arquero and Sieny Corpuz, Kaibigan ng Lahaina is a grassrootsnonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the Filipino community and otherunderserved groups in Lahaina. In the wake of the August 8, 2023 wildfire,Kaibigan ng Lahaina has been at the forefront of community-driven relief andrecovery efforts—providing essential resources, advocacy, and culturallyresponsive support. www.kaibigannglahaina.org

About Roots Reborn:
Roots Reborn is a Maui-based multicultural immigrant justice and disasterresponse organization dedicated to supporting migrant and immigrant communitieson Maui. Growing to support our community for years to come.
www.rootsreborn.org

About Disaster Leadership Team:
The Disaster Leadership Team is a national nonprofit that mentors and trainsleaders of long-term recovery groups and organizations servingdisaster-impacted communities. With extensive experience in crisis response,the team provides strategic guidance, technical support, and peer-to-peermentoring to build local capacity and promote sustainable recovery solutions. www.linkedin.com/company/disaster-leadership-team 

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