Hawai‘i Community Foundation (HCF) announced a combined award of $6.34 million to Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA) to expand the Ua Hale A‘ela program, a transformative initiative providing safe, affordable housing and clear pathways to homeownership for families affected by the devastating Maui wildfires.

The funding comes through two HCF programs, the Maui Strong Fund and House Maui. MSF is contributing $6.3 million, while House Maui is providing a $40,000 grant to cover remaining operational expenses, enabling HCA to acquire and lease housing units with rent-to-own pathways across Maui.

HCF’s investment makes it possible for families to secure stable housing now and walk alongside housing specialists from their community on a supported path to homeownership. After the fires and amid ongoing displacement pressures, this model gives Maui families something critical: the ability to remain in their community, put down roots again, and build toward owning — not leaving — their home in Hawaiʻi.