Governor Green and the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency (HIEMA) recently announced the launch of a statewide interim Disaster Case Management Program (DCMP) for residents impacted by the Kona Low weather events.

Residents impacted by the Kona Low disaster can reach out to the interim DCMP by calling 211 to begin the enrollment process. They will be connected with a DCM to assess their needs and begin providing disaster recovery services. DCMs will ensure language access services are available.

This interim DCMP is launched in close coordination and partnership with all the counties to ensure a cohesive and trauma-informed disaster response for our residents. It is funded collaboratively by the state, counties and the Hawai‘i Community Foundation for 90 days — and will provide up to 40 dedicated case managers to support households in need. HIEMA is the lead state agency for the program and leadership from the existing 2023 Maui wildfires DCMP will support HIEMA and expedite services.

HIEMA has selected Global Empowerment Mission as the lead organization for the interim DCMP and will coordinate and support the selected community-based organizations (CBOs) in each county to deliver services. The initial launch of the program will bring immediate disaster case management services to residents on Oʻahu and across Maui County, with additional services on Kauaʻi and the Island of Hawaiʻi expected to commence soon.

Through this collaborative model, local CBO partners will train and deploy specialized DCMs to ensure survivors can access critical resources, including housing support, financial assistance and damage assessments. Current participating CBOs include: Aloha United Way 211, Catholic Charities Hawaiʻi, Aloha House and Our Kūpuna. As the program expands, additional CBOs will join to ensure statewide services in the coming days.