HONOLULU – The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center (HHOC) has received a $10,000 gift from the First Insurance Company of Hawaii (FICOH), according to an announcement by Dennis Oshiro, executive director of the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center. The funds are an investment to support HHOC’s classes, individualized coaching, and post-purchase services to home buyers throughout the state to attain sustainable homeownership.
“We believe that a safe and stable home is critical to the success of our children, families, and communities. We appreciate that FICOH shares our values and considers education as a key component in making homeownership opportunities possible,” Oshiro said.
Owning a home has significant positive human benefits in education, employment, and physical and mental health for individuals, families, and communities – all which can relieve burdens on public assistance (i.e. welfare, food stamps). Unfortunately, Hawaii has the fifth-lowest rate of homeownership and ranks last in home affordability in the nation according to the CFED Assets &Opportunities Scorecard. Only 57 percent of all housing units in Hawaii are owner-occupied, compared to the U.S. average of 63%.
The Hawaii HomeOwnership Center is committed to addressing the rate of homeownership in the state so more families and communities can appreciate the benefits that come through educated homeowners that are prepared to sustain and maintain their asset.
“HHOC fulfills an important need in our community and we are proud to support their mission of helping more of our local families achieve sustainable homeownership,” said Jeff Shonka, president and CEO of FICOH. “Increasing homeownership benefits families, the local community and Hawaii’s economy.”
“FICOH has been an annual supporter of the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center,” Oshiro said. “We consider them as a valued partner in opening doors to homeownership.”
About HHOC
The Hawai’i HomeOwnership Center’s is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide education, information and support to create successful first-time homeowners in Hawaii. By addressing barriers and increasing rates of home ownership, the Home Ownership Center aims to build stronger families and communities throughout the state of Hawaii. Services are available to anyone regardless of their income. To learn more, visit www.hihomeownership.org.