Marking nearly two years since the devastating Maui wildfires, the Department of Human Services Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) has introduced a team of Housing Specialists dedicated to assist wildfire survivors with permanent housing solutions. The announcement, made yesterday, underscores the ongoing effort to transition affected families from temporary support to sustainable living situations. According to a press release from Governor Josh Green's office, the initiative highlights the administration's focused commitment to "this most important mission of finding them permanent housing."
With case managers specifically trained in disaster recovery, the program aims to guide survivors through a planning process that incorporates local, state, and federal resources. Launched in November 2023 and funded by FEMA, DCMP aims to shepherd the recovery process for up to five years. "I applaud the team at DHS and its partners for their tenacity in addressing this kuleana, working through challenges our Maui neighbors are facing on their individual and collective road to recovery," said Governor Josh Green, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the recovery efforts.
The newly formed Housing Specialists team is managed by Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), an organization already involved with DCMP. This team will collaborate closely with programs like the Hawaiʻi Interim Housing Program (HIHP) and FEMA Direct Lease (DL), among others, to develop tailored housing plans for clients. DHS DCMP Director Jennifer Monaghan, Ph.D., noted the significance of these specialized resources: By directing specialized resources to DCMP Housing Specialists in these key areas, we aim to support a more coordinated, accelerated transition into permanent housing plans.
Danielle Dreis, Hawaiʻi-Pacific Executive Director of Global Empowerment Mission, emphasized the importance of stable housing in the recovery process. “Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, efficient and innovative support to ensure that all families are supported on the path to recovery,” she said in a statement included in the Governor Josh Green press release. The Housing Specialists team will assist survivors in transitioning from temporary to permanent housing solutions.
Survivors needing support from the DCMP can call 211 or reach out to the program at 808-ASK-2000 if they are calling from the mainland to check eligibility and enroll in the program. The new initiative represents a forward motion in addressing the complex housing challenges following a major disaster, aiming to support affected individuals as they rebuild their lives.
