LAHAINA, HI (JANUARY 11, 2024): Following Governor Green's announcement from January 5, the American Red Cross is committed to helping people move forward with their recovery, which includes identifying a longer-term housing solution. As Governor Green said, “By July 1, everybody will be in a stable place.”

After months of coordinated multi-agency efforts at the state and county level to remove debris and reinforce infrastructure, re-entry into the first zone (9-k) in Lahaina was finalized. Up to 140 households have been identified to be safely able to return to their homes in the coming weeks. This includes residents currently in the Red Cross temporary emergency non-congregate shelters (NCS) who have been notified in person of upcoming moves. Since August 2023, the NCS program has provided emergency shelter for individuals and families whose homes were destroyed or rendered unhabitable due to the wildfires. Once a home is determined to be habitable, the household is no longer eligible to remain in government or Red Cross-funded NCS; however, the Red Cross will help returning households access the many resources available to support their transition.

In addition to disaster-affected homes becoming habitable, Federal and State-sponsored direct leasing programs have come online and are helping many wildfire survivors transition to more sustainable housing. In support of these recovery efforts, some households in temporary NCS lodging who are not eligible for direct leasing will be relocated from condominiums into hotels to free up short-term rental inventory for potential use in the long-term direct leasing programs.

Making the necessary transition from temporary emergency shelter to intermediate housing solutions can bring on mixed emotions. Community mental health providers stand ready to support individuals and families as they return home or move into a new NCS location. An easy way to get help is to call the Malu i ka ‘ulu warm line: 808-446-6676, which is a local Maui number that can connect you with resources here on Maui. This line is available daily from 4pm to 9pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 9pm on weekends. There is also 1-800-HI Cares (1-800-753-6879) line available 24/7 to connect folks to local resources. For immediate in-person support, the Lahaina Comprehensive Health Center accepts walk-ins 9am-4pm daily.

The Red Cross is only part of the solution; it is the whole community approach to this response that makes recovery possible. We appreciate the collaboration of all partners as we continue to support the Lahaina community together.