Program offers 4 months of financial support to families impacted by fires

Starting Friday, Maui families directly impacted by the recent wildfires can apply for a program that will provide up to four months of financial support, Gov. Josh Green announced.

The Maui Relief Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program is designed to provide survivors of the wildfires who have at least one dependent child in their household with financial support for housing, transportation, utilities, clothing, school supplies and other needs. It is separate from the ongoing TANF cash assistance benefit and has a different application process, eligibility criteria and requirements.

The state Department of Human Services and its contracted partner, Maui Economic Opportunity, will accept applications beginning Friday. The program will provide up to $100 million in total.

To be eligible for the program, a family must have experienced property loss or damage, or a reduction of earnings or employment as a direct result of the fires; have at least on dependent child; and meet income eligibility guidelines. Survivors are strongly encouraged to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance prior to applying for the Maui Relief TANF Program, as the department wants to ensure families maximize available disaster relief efforts.

Families may apply for Maui Relief TANF support based on their current needs and apply later for other remaining support available. They can also receive the funding if they have exhausted their FEMA assistance and still have critical needs.

For more information or to apply starting Friday, call (808) 243-4316, email NRST@meoinc.org or visit www.meoinc.org.