The County of Maui today announced its County of Maui Housing Navigator Program, which began serving wildfire-impacted households today, Oct. 1 as case management services transition from the State to the County. Current participants will be connected with a Housing Navigator who will build on the recovery work they have already done. They will not have to restart their recovery planning. The program will focus on each family’s remaining housing needs and path toward long-term stability.

“Every family’s recovery looks different, and every family deserves support that recognizes their individual needs and circumstances,” said Mayor Richard Bissen. “Our responsibility is to meet families where they are, build on the progress they have already made and make sure they have someone by their side to help navigate the decisions ahead. This program is about giving families the support, resources and guidance they deserve as they continue working toward a safe, stable place to call home.”

The County selected contractor BDO to administer the Maui Housing Navigator Program. Maui Economic Opportunity, Inc. (MEO) will conduct initial eligibility reviews, and Hawaiian Council will provide the Housing Navigator team. The organizations will deliver services together under the County’s new program.

DHS has administered the Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) since the August 2023 wildfires, helping households assess their needs, develop recovery plans and connect with resources. The County’s Maui Housing Navigator Program will build on that work as families prepare for the next phase of their recovery.

What current participants can expect

The County of Maui Office of Recovery is providing current participants with a notice explaining the transition. Beginning Oct. 1, the Housing Navigator team will be contacting households enrolled in the State’s DCMP. All current participants are expected to be contacted by Oct. 23 to discuss their needs, explain what may change and answer questions.

A participant’s case manager may change. Once assigned, a Housing Navigator will become the household’s primary point of contact and work with the family to develop an individualized Housing Recovery Plan. A navigator will also attend the household’s next FEMA recertification meeting scheduled on or after Oct. 1. Information needed to support a household’s recovery may be transferred in accordance with applicable privacy and confidentiality requirements.

While waiting to be contacted, participants should continue searching for housing, gathering documents, attending appointments and working toward the goals in their current recovery plans. They should also respond to calls, emails or letters from the Housing Navigator team.

Housing support and program partners

“Families need clear answers about what happens next and where they can turn for help,” said Maggie Batangan, CEO of MEO. “We will review each household’s circumstances and help connect families with the support and resources available to them.”

Housing Navigators will help households identify available housing and community resources, address barriers to securing housing and prepare for changes in disaster assistance, including the eventual end of FEMA rental assistance. Eligible households may also receive rental assistance or help exploring County-supported temporary housing options, including Hale ʻO Lāʻie in Kīhei and Kilohana in Lahaina. Assistance and placement will depend on eligibility, individual circumstances and availability.

“This program is about helping Lahaina families remain connected to their home and community,” said Kūhiō Lewis, CEO of Hawaiian Council. “By addressing housing barriers and providing continued support, we hope to create more opportunities for Lahaina residents to remain on Maui, rebuild their lives here, and continue to be part of Lahaina’s future.”

Households do not need to be enrolled in the state’s DCMP to seek help. People displaced from their primary residences by the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui wildfires who still need housing support may contact the program to discuss their circumstances and learn what assistance or referrals may be available.

For information, visit www.mauirecovers.org/navigator, call (808) 865-4007 or email info@mauioor.com. Beginning Oct. 15, Housing Navigator staff will be available to meet with households at the Lahaina Resource Center, 325 Keawe St., Suite B102, Lahaina. Translation, interpretation and accessible formats are available upon request by calling the program number above.