Jacqueline Pata, executive director of Haa Yakaawu Financial Corp., and her daughter, Jamie Gomez, stood side by side. “Tsu héidei shugax̱tootáan, yáa yaa ḵ̱oosgé daakeit, haa jeexʼ a náḵ̱,” they sang in Tlingit, blessing the chartering ceremony for the organization as they officially joined the NeighborWorks network.
The lyrics mean, “We will open it again, this box of wisdom, which was left in our hands.” For Pata, the box of wisdom (or “box of knowledge,” as she also called it) is representative of the relationship her organization has forged with NeighborWorks America – and the relationship to come. HYFC is a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), headquartered in Juneau, Alaska.
At the ceremony in the U.S. Senate Indian Affairs Committee’s hearing room in Washington, D.C. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), chair of the committee and a longtime champion of Haa Yakaawu (HYFC), made the announcement of the charter, alongside NeighborWorks President & CEO Marietta Rodriguez.
“It’s so powerful to be back here in Washington where we feel the culture of Alaska Native people brought 4,000 miles – and to celebrate,” Murkowski said of HYFC, a Native Community Development Financial Institution head. “This is a big deal. It is not an easy path to get chartered into the NeighborWorks network. … It’s worthy of celebration and recognition.”
NeighborWorks adds new affiliates every few years to help increase its collective impact across the country and to fill programmatic and service area gaps. The addition of CDFIs like Haa Yakaawu helps expand affordable lending opportunities for low- and middle-income individuals and businesses, opening doors that might have been shut by a more traditional lender. The NeighborWorks network includes nearly 250 affordable housing and community development nonprofits located in every state, Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The chartering celebration for Haa Yakaawu is the first for a new NeighborWorks affiliate since 2021. The CDFI is now one of three affiliates in Alaska.
“What you do and how you do it is so important for communities across the country,” Murkowski said, addressing Rodriguez along with the crowd. “When you think about what NeighborWorks stands for – the hope, the opportunity.” Couple that with tools for the Native CDFI and “opening the box of knowledge” and it makes room for good things to happen – “things we are working for and hoping for. It’s about what all of us bring to the table. When we open up and help each other, this is where we make the difference.”
HYFC has been making a difference in Alaska since it first formed in 1996 to address affordable lending and housing development needs and has demonstrated growth and progress. Since 2022, for instance, the organization has helped 71 tribal families achieve their dream of homeownership. The goal, staff say, is to continue growing.
“Opening the box of knowledge – that is really what this is all about,” Pata said. “It’s the sharing and lifting each other up.”
In remarks before the ceremony, Pata said that “HYFC is thrilled to be affiliated with such a prestigious, mission-driven organization. We look forward to sharing knowledge and working together to improve the services we provide to our tribal citizens. This collaboration will help us continue growing and enhancing the impact we make in our communities.”
HYFC, which fosters self-sufficiency for tribal citizens and organizations through homeownership, shares the values of NeighborWorks and its mission of creating opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives and strengthen their communities.
NeighborWorks will provide technical support to advance HYFC’s financial and operational sustainability, along with grant opportunities to help the organization grow. HYFC is also ready to engage with NeighborWorks’ professional training on homeownership and housing counseling, said Shaun Guthrie, operations and portfolio manager. “We’re looking forward to having access to partnerships with federal agencies and other similar, mission-driven organizations.”
Rodriguez presented Pata with a framed copy of the charter. “We have just as much to learn from all of you,” she said. “We are so excited and so grateful to Sen. Murkowski for her support of this work.”
NeighborWorks has been working with Native CDFIs and working to resource Native communities for a long time, Rodriguez said. “This is the manifestation of that work. The resources we can share from Congress are so important.” So are partnerships.
Mel Willie, director of Native American Partnerships and Strategies for NeighborWorks America, said that providing housing and homeownership opportunities in tribal communities can bring many challenges. “But through affiliating locally driven housing providers, we are leveraging their expertise and knowledge with the communities and culture while trying to fortify their organization to be sustainable and implement long-term solutions.
“HYFC is a Native CDFI that was created by a Tribal housing authority. This is exactly what we try to encourage – for Tribal communities to leverage the federal investment into housing to serve their local needs more broadly.”
A deep understanding
HYFC has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and successes within Indian communities, as well as extensive experience working with low-income rural populations. That’s information that will be vital to both NeighborWorks and the greater network. “We recognize the distinct needs of each community and adapt our approach accordingly,” Guthrie explained.
The nonprofit is known for meeting individuals where they are on their financial journey. “We provide tailored guidance that respects their specific circumstances.” Unlike traditional lending practices, the organization avoids outdated one-size-fits-all methods and focuses on offering strong, accessible solutions that empower individuals and foster financial growth.
Working in Southeast Alaska is not without its challenges, some related to the remoteness of the region. There’s been a rising cost in construction materials, increased property values, limited resources and a higher cost of living, for instance. But the challenges have also created opportunities. “They’ve pushed us to think creatively and find innovative ways to maximize every dollar,” said Guthrie. “This experience has highlighted the importance of budgeting, resourcefulness and follow-through — values that now form a core part of HYFC’s approach to supporting communities.
Highlights of the organization’s work include:
- Loan program expansion. The organization offers seven new loan programs focused on homeownership and preservation. HYFC’s portfolio includes 161 loans valued at $14.9 million. The nonprofit is preparing to introduce more new loan products including small business development loans. “The additions will empower individuals and businesses to thrive in an evolving economy,” Guthrie said.
- Development services growth. HYFC provides 15 workshops that address a wide range of topics including advanced credit essentials, retirement planning, insurance basics and more.
Pata said she has seen the joy of homeowners when they get into a home of their own with a mortgage they can afford, including on her own staff. It’s something she wants to see more of among tribal citizens, she said. Her hope is that as her organization grows, with help from NeighborWorks, that is exactly what will happen.
