For the first time, Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG) is collaborating with the Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL), Lahaina Community Land Trust (LCLT), U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Habitat for Humanity Maui (Habitat Maui) to construct five homes for wildfire survivors in Lahaina. Construction is set to begin in October 2025 as part of ongoing efforts to restore housing and strengthen the community’s recovery.

In August 2023, a wildfire broke out on the island of Maui, destroying 1,355 homes, of which 813 were owner-occupied. On an island where housing was already at a premium, finding space for displaced people has been a significant challenge. This housing crisis underscores the urgency of rebuilding efforts and the importance of partnerships like this one.

MDS, renowned for their volunteer construction efforts in disaster-affected areas, will play a critical role in the rebuilding process. They will establish a base at Maria Lanakila Church/Sacred Hearts School, confirmed as a volunteer host site through the efforts of FEMA. Six classrooms will be converted into sleeping quarters, a gathering space, and an office, while additional kitchen and shower facilities will be built. The Mennonites will rotate teams every two weeks, bringing essential equipment and supplies.

“This is a pivotal moment for Lahaina,” said Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, Executive Director of Ho‘ōla LTRG. “By working together, we are creating real solutions for families in need. This partnership is a powerful step forward, and the MDS’ commitment to building homes marks a transformative moment in Lahaina’s recovery.”

“Together with our partners, HCL is happy to do our part to create a path forward for these five families,” said Jeff Gilbreath, executive director, Hawaiʻi Community Lending. “This project is a powerful example of the solutions that are possible when we work together and the hope it inspires for others who are working to rebuild in Lahaina.”

Hawaiʻi Community Lending has played a crucial role in supporting the homeowners by completing the intake process, conducting financial assessments, and identifying gap funding solutions. Habitat Maui and Lahaina Community Land Trust provide additional funding options for eligible homeowners, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to rebuild. Homes that receive over $100,000 in financial assistance and in-kind donations will also become part of a growing inventory of homes that are protected from investor-purchase, forever, stewarded in partnership between LCLT and the homeowner, in order to create long-term housing security for local families.

Additional support is also coming from local businesses like Cajudoy Construction, Alpha Electric, and Honsador, who are helping lower rebuilding costs for homeowners by offering reduced rates on labor and supplies.

“This partnership is truly a testament to the strength of the Lahaina community and to our collective dedication to keep families home,” said Autumn Ness, Executive Director of Lahaina Community Land Trust. “There are far too many cautionary tales of displacement that have unfolded in so many other communities after disasters, but by embracing creative solutions and working together, we can keep our people home in Lahaina today and build housing security for generations to come.”

“MDS is looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group as we work through the intricacies and careful considerations, helping each other bring hope back to a devastated community,” said Brian Showalter, MDS Regional Operations Coordinator.

Matt Bachman, Executive Director for Habitat Maui said, “Through very gracious donations, Habitat Maui is capable of helping to close the gap between insurance funds and the cost to rebuild a safe, decent, and affordable home for those in a moderate or lower income family.”  Habitat Maui provides funding for those families who earn less than 80% of the median area income, but, due to the disaster, can increase to those at the 100% level.  

Homeowners will benefit from significant cost savings through this partnership, thanks to the support of the volunteer rebuild team and generous contributions from donors. These combined efforts help reduce the financial burden on families as they work to rebuild their homes.

Adding to this momentum, the Asian Real Estate Association of America (AREAA) recently contributed $30,000 to Ho‘ōla LTRG during their event on February 28. These funds will directly support material costs for the five families set to receive new homes. With an estimated $400,000 needed to complete construction, this generous donation brings the project closer to its goal.

Through collaboration and commitment, Lahaina’s path to recovery continues to take shape—ensuring that those affected by the wildfires have a place to call home once again.
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About Ho‘ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group (Ho‘ōla LTRG):

The Ho‘ōla LTRG, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, unites local organizations, leaders, and partners to support Maui’s recovery from the August 2023 wildfires. The group focuses on providing resources and coordinating recovery efforts to help survivors rebuild their lives and ensure a sustainable, resilient future for the community.  www.mauilongtermrecovery.org

About Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS):

Mennonite Disaster Service recruits, organizes, and empowers volunteers to repair and rebuild the homes of those impacted by disasters in the United States and Canada. These disaster survivors are homeowners who would not otherwise have the means to recover. Responding with Christian love, their goal is to restore hope as they bring people back home. In 2021, nearly 6500 MDS volunteers from across Canada and the U.S. helped more than 718 households recover from disaster.  www.mds.org

About Hawaiʻi Community Lending (HCL):

Hawaiʻi Community Lending is a U.S. Treasury-certified native community development financial institution (CDFI) that makes loans to homebuilders, homebuyers, and homeowners, along with technical assistance and grants to prevent foreclosure. HCL is Hawai‘i’s premier nonprofit mortgage lender, helping local and Hawaiian families navigate the path to homeownership.  www.hawaiicommunitylending.com

About Lahaina Community Land Trust:

The Lahaina Community Land Trust is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed in the fires’ aftermath to ensure that Lahaina’s lands remain forever in the hands of its people.  www.lahainacommunitylandtrust.org

About FEMA:

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides financial and logistical assistance to communities recovering from disasters. FEMA works with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to strengthen disaster preparedness and response. https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4724

About Habitat for Humanity Maui:

Habitat for Humanity Maui is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and repairing homes for low-income families in Maui County. Serving households earning between 25% and 80% (100% after a disaster) of the area’s median income, Habitat Maui provides zero-interest loans to ensure affordability and long-term housing stability.  www.habitat-maui.org