Hawaii Introduces New Disaster Case Management Program to Address Post-Disaster Housing Needs

Strategic Insights -

Hawaii, still reeling from the effects of the 2023 Maui wildfires, has taken a significant step towards supporting its citizens in their recovery journey. The Department of Human Services (DHS), in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, has established a dedicated team of Housing Specialists to address the critical need for permanent housing solutions. This new initiative is part of the existing Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP), a FEMA-funded program designed to support survivors for up to five years. The program connects survivors with specially trained disaster case managers to assess and address their needs through a disaster recovery plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new DCMP Housing Specialists team will focus on finding and securing permanent housing options for disaster survivors, working in close partnership with local, state, and federal agencies.
  • The team will develop permanent housing plans in collaboration with clients and engage across multiple programs, including the Hawai'i Interim Housing Program (HIHP), FEMA Direct Lease (DL), and Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA).
  • The Housing Specialists team is managed by Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), a community-based organization that is an existing member of the DCMP team.
  • Diane Monaghan, Ph.D., Director of DHS DCMP, announced the new Housing Specialists team, aiming to support a more coordinated and accelerated transition into permanent housing plans.
  • The new team will address the critical gap between temporary support and sustainable housing outcomes for disaster survivors.
  • Survivors in need of support from the DCMP should call 211 or dial 808-ASK-2000 from the mainland to determine eligibility and enroll in the program.

Statistics:

  • The DCMP was launched in November 2023 to support survivors for up to five years.
  • The new Housing Specialists team will focus on addressing the most pressing need for survivors, which includes finding and securing permanent housing options.
  • The Hawai'i Interim Housing Program (HIHP) will be one of the programs engaged by the new Housing Specialists team to provide support to disaster survivors.
  • The continued partnership between DHS, local, state, and federal agencies, as well as community-based organizations like Global Empowerment Mission, will play a critical role in the success of the new Housing Specialists team.
  • The Maui wildfires, which occurred in 2023, have had a profound impact on the state's communities, and the new DCMP program will provide critical support to those affected.

Sources:

  • State of Hawai'i Ka Moku 'Aina o Hawai'i (Office of the Governor)
  • Department of Human Services
  • Global Empowerment Mission (GEM)
  • FEMA
  • Hawai'i Interim Housing Program (HIHP)
  • Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)