Client Success Story: Justin

When Justin first applied for a home loan, he had no savings and carried outstanding debt that presented a significant barrier to homeownership. Recognizing his potential, Justin began working with our Financial Education Counselor through HYFC’s counseling and coaching program and has since paid off his outstanding debt and established a personal savings account of $6,800.00. Through HYFCs Success Starts With Me program, Justin is now not only a first-time homeowner, but he is also emerging as a young pillar in a community that has seen many of its young professionals leave in search of opportunity elsewhere. “I never thought I’d be able to buy a home this soon. HYFC believed in me and gave me the tools to get my finances on track. Now, I’m saving, building credit, and working toward a better future right here at home.” By investing in his financial future without leaving his ancestral homeland, Justin is embodying a deeply Indigenous value: the responsibility to care for one’s community across generations.

Elizabeth O’Brien – Success Starts With Me Homeowner

“As a young, single mother of two, I never imagined homeownership could be part of my story. I always thought it was something other people achieved – people with perfect credit, stable jobs, or a big down payment. I didn’t think I had a chance.”

“Then I found Haa Yakaawu Financial Corporation and their Success Starts With Me program. From the very beginning, the team treated me with dignity and understanding. They didn’t judge me for where I was—they helped me build a path forward. Together, we worked on my credit, created a budget, and made a plan. For the first time, I felt like homeownership wasn’t just a dream—it was possible.”

“The process wasn’t easy, but Haa Yakaawu Financial Corporation was there every step of the way. They explained everything in a way I could understand and made sure I had the tools and support I needed. When I finally got the keys to my home, I cried. Not just because I had a house—but because I had built something lasting for my children.”

“Today, we have a place to call our own—a safe space, a future, a foundation. I’m so proud of what we accomplished together. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I hope my story inspires others to take that first step. Thank you, Haa Yakaawu Financial Corporation, for believing in me when I didn’t yet believe in myself.”

Credit Building Success Story

Reyonna Moy
Small Dollar Credit Builder Loan Participant

Reyonna Moy’s financial journey is a testament to the power of determination, consistency, and access to the right tools. Just two years ago, Reyonna was facing the challenges of a low credit score, limiting her ability to secure affordable financing.

She enrolled in HYFC’s Small Dollar Credit Builder Loan Program, which offers a pathway for individuals to build or repair credit through manageable loan amounts and structured repayment plans. Through consistent, on-time payments, Reyonna steadily improved her financial standing, achieving an outstanding 167-point increase in her credit score.

“When I started, I honestly didn’t think a small loan could make such a big difference. But staying consistent and trusting the process helped me raise my credit score by 167 points. Now, I feel like I’m finally in control of my financial future.”
— Reyonna Moy

Reyonna’s success reflects the mission of HYFC: to empower tribal citizens through financial access, education, and community-driven support.

Success Starts with Me Homeowners

Jessica Smith & Jess Isaacs

After living in a low-rent apartment through Tlingit Haida Regional Housing Authority for over a decade, Jessica Smith and Jess Isaacs, along with their family of six, set out on the journey to homeownership. With guidance from the HYFC team, they followed a personalized action plan to pay down debt and improve their credit. “HYFC staff was absolutely amazing to work with. They believed in us when others wouldn’t. Any other lender would have turned us away, but HYFC took the time to walk with us, step by step, until we were finally ready to buy our first home. They didn’t just help us get a house; they helped us build a future for our family.” Their dedication, paired with HYFC’s one-on-one support, helped them achieve their dream of owning a home and building a secure future for their children.

Success Starts with Me Homeowner

Danielle Knudsen

When Danielle first applied to the Success Starts With Me program, she faced a significant barrier: overwhelming debt that had gone to collections. But she didn’t give up. Over the course of the following year, Danielle worked closely with HYFC’s Educational Coordinator to develop a savings and debt repayment plan. This strategy put her on the path to financial recovery and, ultimately, homeownership. Today, Danielle is officially a homeowner in her hometown of Kake, thanks to the Success Starts With Me program. Danielle’s success is a powerful reminder that homeownership is more than just property. It is a foundation for stability, self-determination, and legacy.