Story 13: Yoshiko’s Path to Homeownership

Posted Apr 29, 2026

Yoshiko, a mother of three working full-time and attending graduate school online, struggled to access stable, healthy housing for her family following her divorce. She longed for a space of her own and knew that buying a home was a smart financial move, but she believed homeownership was out of reach on her single income. Additionally, as a second-language English speaker and immigrant who has faced discrimination, she found the complexities of homebuying and financing challenging to navigate.

When a friend recommended INHS, Yoshiko eagerly signed up for homebuyer education classes. INHS Director of Homeownership Delia Yarrow steered her through the process, offering encouragement at every step: “Delia gave me so many resources… when I would get nervous and say, ‘I don’t know if I can do it,’ she said, ‘You can do it; I’ll help you.’”

In early 2022, with the aid of down-payment and closing-cost assistance from INHS, Yoshiko and her youngest son moved into their new home.

Owning her own home has brought Yoshiko a newfound sense of security. “It’s like a big weight off. It’s life-changing,” she shared. She is thriving in the new environment and has decorated her space with Japanese art and crafts. Having grown up in Tokyo, the world’s largest city, Yoshiko is delighted with the nature and wildlife surrounding her home. Her son enjoys living within walking distance of friends’ homes. “I can’t believe I have a house—as a single mom. I’m very happy and secure… I feel lucky,” Yoshiko said.

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