DHHL-funded workshops, counseling and partners to help beneficiaries qualify for homeownership

DHHL staff and an invited presenter, Helen Wai of Helen Wai LLC, described free homebuyer education workshops and individualized counseling to prepare beneficiaries for financial assessments. Wai, a third-generation homestead lessee, urged attendees to provide confidential financial documents so service providers can design options that fit attendees' budgets.

"This is very critical," Wai said of homebuyer education and counseling, adding the department pays for the service at no cost to beneficiaries and staff will provide one-on-one sessions and follow-up workshops. Agency staff said they will help connect beneficiaries with down-payment assistance, construction loan options and owner-builder pathways, and will coordinate with partners to reduce upfront barriers to homeownership.