News and Media: Disaster 4724

– It is when Tom Liu talks about all the cherished family heirlooms that were swept away as wildfires raced through his tiny rural community that you begin to understand the enormity of his loss.

During the past six months, state, local and federal officials, nonprofits and community leaders have helped thousands of displaced survivors find a place to stay, feed their families, and access financial aid, crisis counseling and other services.

The Stafford Act authorizes FEMA to provide direct temporary housing for up to 18 months when eligible applicants are unable to obtain temporary housing due to a lack of available housing resources. Below are answers to your frequently asked questions about temporary housing.

FEMA is hiring Hawaiʻi residents to support the Maui wildfire recovery effort. Jobs are available on Oʻahu and Maui. Qualified candidates with diverse backgrounds and a desire to serve are needed immediately. These temporary positions start as 120-day appointments and may be extended up to one year depending on the needs of the recovery mission. Benefits include sick leave and up to 11 paid holidays.

Maui County and other local agencies, the State of Hawai‘i and FEMA have coordinated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to offer a debris removal process for property owners affected by the August 2023 wildfires.