LAHAINA, Hawaii — Survivors of the catastrophic wildfire that struck Lahaina, Maui, last year will benefit from an extension of housing assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for an additional year. The August 8, 2023, disaster not only claimed the lives of at least 102 individuals but also displaced around 12,000 residents, making housing a critical issue in the recovery efforts.

FEMA has concentrated its efforts on offering rentals to those who lack insurance for fire-related losses. Currently, the agency is leasing homes for over 1,200 families directly and is providing assistance to an additional 500 households, enabling them to secure accommodations independently. Many of these rental options are situated in Kihei, approximately 25 miles (40 kilometers) away from the devastated town of Lahaina.

The tragic event, which is considered the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. in a century, has left survivors in a state of distress and instability. Many have had to move repeatedly, transitioning from one hotel room to another in search of a stable living situation. Initially, the housing support was due to conclude in February, but FEMA has now granted a one-year extension, which will last until February 10, 2026, as announced by officials in Hawaii.

According to a recent report from the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization, there has been a noticeable increase in unemployment and poverty levels, while income rates have declined among those impacted by the Lahaina wildfire. The study, which gathered responses from 402 individuals affected by the tragedy, revealed that a staggering nine out of ten participants lost their homes.

Expressing appreciation for FEMA’s decision, Hawaii Governor Josh Green stated, “On behalf of our state, I want to express my gratitude to FEMA for this favorable response to my administration’s request. The ongoing support FEMA and our other federal partners have provided has been crucial for the recovery of our people.” Furthermore, he recalled President Joe Biden’s commitment during his visit to Lahaina, emphasizing that the administration would stand by the affected communities for as long as needed, a promise that the governor expressed gratitude for.