Hawaii's Department of Human Services has secured an additional $7.9 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to expand its Disaster Case Management Program for wildfire recovery in Maui. This funding boost is set to increase the number of households served by the program to roughly 3,000, offering critical support to those affected by the disaster, according to the Office of the Governor news release.
Following a successful initial reach to over 3,800 individuals, the program is ramping up, with the introduction of 20 more disaster case managers and outreach care navigators. Meant to guide survivors through the intricacies of recovery, with the newly awarded funds, nearly 1,400 existing survivor households have been provided essential services. "This supplemental funding will help us continue to provide essential services and supports to survivors," said Department of Human Services Deputy Director Trista Speer in a statement obtained by the Office of the Governor.
At the heart of the Disaster Case Management Program are two key branches: The first-of-its-kind Screening, Eligibility and Outreach Care Navigator Branch, which enrolls survivors and the disaster case managers branch, which provides ongoing support with resources and recovery plans. With these branches collaborations, the program is heralded for promptly delivering aid to those navigating their recovery post-disaster, often acting as a lifeline in a time of immense disruption and uncertainty.
As the Maui community continues to rebuild, Department of Human Services stresses the importance of the federal investment in local recovery. "We are grateful to everyone involved, especially Governor Green for his leadership and FEMA for continuing to invest in Maui’s recovery," Speer added, acknowledging the collective efforts fueling revival, as reported by the Office of the Governor. Residents in need of disaster recovery support are encouraged to dial 211 to connect with a Disaster Case Management Program team member who will immediately assist with program enrollment and begin devising a path forward through the recovery process.
