The Asian Real Estate Association of America and its Hawaii Aloha Chapter recently contributed $30,000 to Hoʻōla LTRG. Courtesy photo

Hoʻōla iā Mauiakama Disaster Long Term Recovery Group has launched a new program to help wildfire survivor families turn newly rebuilt houses into fully furnished, livable homes.

The House to Home Program provides participating households with $8,000 to $25,000, depending on size, to purchase essential furnishings and household goods, including beds, dining tables, kitchen supplies and outdoor seating.

The goal is to help restore daily routines and transform rebuilt structures into functional homes.

The program is currently available to families whose homes are rebuilt through Hoʻōla LTRG and Mennonite Disaster Service’s rebuilding program.

The initiative is supported through partnerships with the Maui Pono Foundation, the Asian Real Estate Association of America and Mennonite Disaster Service. AREAA and its Hawaii Aloha Chapter contributed $30,000 to Hoʻōla LTRG, while the Maui Pono Foundation provided a $20,020 donation to support the program.

The program is already assisting two families whose homes were recently completed and blessed through Hoʻōla LTRG, Mennonite Disaster Service and Cajudoy Construction.

The Maui Pono Foundation provided a $20,020 donation to support the House to Home Program. Courtesy photo

On March 6, the Yadao family returned to a newly rebuilt five-bedroom, two-bath home, while the Kahahane family received the keys to a new two-bedroom home, both constructed with volunteer labor coordinated by Mennonite Disaster Service and community partners.

“Rebuilding a home is about more than construction, it’s about helping families return to stability after everything they’ve been through,” said Don Rheinheimer, Hawaii project coordinator for Mennonite Disaster Service. “Our volunteers are honored to work alongside Hoʻōla LTRG and community partners to help Lahaina and Kula families move forward and rebuild their lives.”

“When a family receives the keys to their rebuilt home, it is an incredibly emotional moment — but many are stepping into empty rooms after years of displacement,” added Rhonda Alexander-Monkres, executive director of Hoʻōla LTRG. “The House to Home Program ensures that when families return, they can truly begin living there.”

Community organizations and businesses interested in supporting the program through donations of furnishings, household goods, services or financial contributions may contact Rhonda Alexander-Monkres at rhonda@mauilongtermrecovery.org.