Twelve days after a devastating fire in Lahaina, Hawaii killed over 100 people and destroyed thousands of structures, Maude Cumming of the Family Life Center began construction on an 88-unit village for survivors. Despite $14 million in private donations, bureaucratic obstacles and delays have hindered progress, with only 10 units occupied a year later.
Housing insecurity remains a major issue for survivors, with many families moving multiple times and some leaving the island due to high rents. While short-term solutions have been provided, long-term housing remains a challenge for many. The first 10 families are set to move into a temporary housing project designed to accommodate 1,200 people for up to five years.
Cumming hopes to complete her project within a few months once a water pipe is delivered, allowing the village to connect to a county water line. She sees this project as a model for disaster response, emphasizing the need for safe and quick housing solutions. However, the continued wait for housing has left many in the community uncertain and anxious about the future.
Despite efforts to provide aid and housing assistance, the struggle to recover and rebuild continues for many survivors of the deadliest fire in Hawaii’s history. Local officials and organizations are working to address the ongoing housing crisis and provide support to those affected by the tragedy.
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