The Asian Real Estate Association of America presents a $30,000 donation to Ho‘ōla LTRG on Feb. 28, helping fund materials for five families rebuilding their homes in Lahaina. Photo Courtesy Asian Real Estate Association of America

A nonprofit is collaborating with a number of groups including Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers to begin building five homes for wildfire survivors in Lahaina starting next October.

The Ho’ōla iā Mauiakama Long Term Recovery Group was formed to help survivors rebuild by providing resources and coordinating recovery efforts.

Mennonite volunteers plan to establish a base at Maria Lanakila Church/Sacred Hearts School, confirmed as a volunteer host site through the efforts of FEMA.

Six classrooms will be converted into sleeping quarters, a gathering space and an office, while additional kitchen and shower facilities will be built. The Mennonites will rotate teams every two weeks, bringing essential equipment and supplies, according to the group.

“By working together, we are creating real solutions for families in need,” said the group’s executive director, Rhonda Alexander-Monkres. “This partnership is a powerful step forward, and the MDS’s commitment to building homes marks a transformative moment in Lahaina’s recovery.”

The disaster services provided by the Mennonites include repairing and rebuilding homes of disaster victims in the United States and Canada who would not otherwise have the means to recover.

In 2021, nearly 6,500 Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers from across Canada and the U.S. helped more than 718 households recover from disaster.

Other contributing groups include Lahaina Community Land Trust, U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency and Habitat for Humanity Maui in the effort to construct five homes for wildfire survivors in Lahaina.

Adding to the project, the Asian Real Estate Association of America recently contributed $30,000 to Ho’ōla LTRG during an event on Feb. 28.

According to the nonprofit, the money will directly support material costs for the five families set to receive new homes. With an estimated $400,000 needed to complete construction, the donation brings the project closer to its goal.