On the one-year anniversary of the Maui wildfires, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through its Federal Housing Administration (FHA), announced new measures to support homeowners in Maui County, HI, whose properties were destroyed during the August 2023 wildfires. Effective immediately, eligible borrowers and renters in Maui County can continue to use FHA’s 203(h) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims program to receive up to 100 percent financing.
“This latest action underscores the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to rebuilding Maui communities and helping families recover from disaster,” stated HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman.
The White House detailed priorities for ongoing recovery efforts, including moving residents from temporary shelters into long-term housing solutions, supporting home rebuilding efforts, and ensuring that new homes are climate resilient.
“After wildfires hit Maui last year, people’s homes were destroyed, and people’s lives were disrupted. Immediately after, HUD got to work to help people recover,” said Todman. “This included providing support for people who live in HUD subsidized homes and providing support for people who were homeless. With this action today we are continuing our support for homeowners to ensure that they can rebuild and stay on Maui.”
A waiver issued today extends the deadline for applying for 203(h) financing until August 10, 2025. This follows FHA’s third extension of its foreclosure moratorium for borrowers with FHA-insured single-family mortgages in Maui County through January 1, 2025.
“We remain committed to doing all that we can to help residents of Maui County recover from the 2023 wildfires,” said Federal Housing Commissioner Julia Gordon. “Extending the time to use FHA financing for rebuilding reflects our strong desire to continue helping families trying to rebuild their lives after this uniquely catastrophic event.”
Immediately following the wildfires, HUD provided new resources and flexibilities while ensuring partners on the ground were ready to assist those affected. More than $8 million was awarded through Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) – $6.9 million in February 2024 and $1.3 million in August 2023 – addressing needs not fully met by existing Federal disaster relief programs.
For those with an FHA-insured mortgage in the disaster area unable to make payments, immediate relief is available. Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer or reach out to the FHA Resource Center at (800) CALL-FHA or answers@hud.gov for assistance.
HUD-certified housing counselors are prepared to provide guidance on available options for immediate housing and disaster recovery assistance. Borrowers can find a HUD-approved counseling agency using HUD’s online search tool or by calling (800) 569-4287.
