Embedding Native Values in Financial Education

Honolulu is bustling with change, and leading the way is the Hawaiian Community Assets (HCA). As June celebrates National Homeownership Month, it seems fitting to spotlight how this nonprofit is transforming the dream of homeownership into a reality for many families, particularly those with Native Hawaiian heritage.

Chelsie Evans Enos and her team at HCA embrace a unique approach through ‘Kahua Waiwai,’ a philosophy that instills native values into financial education. “We believe that by grounding financial literacy in our cultural ethos, we elevate the learning process, making it relevant and empowering for the community,” she shared passionately.

Bridging the Gap for Future Generations

According to Hawaii News Now, HCA is Hawaii’s largest HUD-certified counseling agency, serving thousands with crucial services like financial guidance and career coaching. These attempts resonate profoundly in a state grappling with severe housing issues, offering timely interventions for families affected by crises, such as the Maui wildfires.

Their pioneering ‘Ua Hale Aʻela’ program is steering renters towards becoming homeowners within a few short years. “By acquiring homes for local families to rent and later purchase, we’re creating a cycle of sustainable homeownership,” said Enos, underscoring her own perseverance through similar challenges as a young mother.

Celebrating 25 Years of Cultural Empowerment

As HCA celebrates its 25th milestone, the goal of raising $25 million stands resilient, signifying a continued commitment to community-rooted solutions. Last year, they managed to provide vital services to over 7,300 individuals, 60% of whom identified as Native Hawaiian.

With her roots deeply tied to the soil of Makawao, Enos reflects on her journey from struggle to stewardship, encouraging others to join the mission at HawaiianCommunity.net. The next 25 years seem poised for even greater impacts, having already sown seeds of hope and stability.

Our Cultural Legacy, Our Future

As the winds of change continue to blow across Hawaii, organizations like HCA are ensuring that these winds carry opportunities, rooted in tradition, toward every doorstep. The cultural grounding they offer not only builds homes but also communities, laying down pathways for a more inclusive, prosperous future.