Express Credit Union Seattle’s Post

Are you supporting students to complete the FAFSA? For youth experiencing #homelessness, their FAFSA journey isn’t so straightforward. You can pave their path to significant financial aid opportunities. Help students #DoTheFAFSA: https://bit.ly/3W78TtQ

Without equitable access to affordable credit and investment capital, people living in low-income communities often face barriers to quality housing, education, health care, jobs and other essential services. Community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, can reduce those barriers by unlocking access to basic financial services for those traditionally excluded by mainstream financial systems. Did you know that Habitat for Humanity has our own CDFI? Learn more about what they are and why they matter. https://lnkd.in/dY8UvYyU

https://buff.ly/3SIEGjS It is very important for agencies to help youth who are transitioning out of the system with things like understanding financial stability, housing, work/job resources, education, bank accounts, credit scores and getting driving lessons. #transitionageyouth #safetynets

As we focus on the issues of #homelessness and why, let us also focus on the social rule of law, #policy, #housingpolicy with wrap around services, supporting #lawenforcement #families, #fosteryouth, #youth #communities #economies we can address these issues with the regional approach. Katy Bruya Gavin Cooley #CDFI #opportunityzones https://lnkd.in/gVzXb8YR

Recommend this read for all who want to effect movement towards equity and justice in their selves, their communities, and our systems. From the article: "Do I want to be heard, or do I want to be effective?"

April is here, and that means it's Financial Literacy Month! At FAAST, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to manage your finances wisely, especially for our friends with disabilities. 🎓💰 Achieving financial independence and security is vital, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Check out our Financial Loans Services that help make assistive technology more affordable. Click here to learn more: https://lnkd.in/dxhB9eMc Whether you need help navigating funding options or finding a loan program that suits your unique needs, we've got you covered. 💼✨ Don't let financial barriers limit your possibilities—ahead lies a horizon of opportunities! ➡️ Remember, knowledge is power, and with the right tools and support, financial freedom is within your reach. Share this message, and let's spread hope this April!🌟 #FinancialLiteracyMonth #EmpowermentThroughKnowledge #FAASTenYourFinancialFuture #Services #FAAST #Loan #Disability #Assistance #Support #Community #Inclusion #Access #Help #DisabilityServices #FinancialAssistancr #AT #AssistiveTechnology #Nonprofit #Florida

Do your children and grandchildren have the information they need to become financially responsible adults? We share tips on “Raising Financially Responsible Children” in our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/e6fAmqmZ #FinancialLiteracyMonth #TeachChildrenToSave #TeachChildrenToSaveDay

Conservative activists are challenging various lending initiatives that support historically disadvantaged communities. We spoke with community-lending leaders and experts about the current mood across the sector, and what they're doing to avoid becoming the next target. Read more: https://bit.ly/3KMVdP8 #RacialEquity #CommunityDevelopment #CDFIs

This article by Bill Taft from LISC applies to CDFI's as well. Small CDFI's struggle to find funding for both operations and lending. The result is that the CDFI universe is contracting, we lost six (6) in Texas between May 2023 to September 2024, from 55-49 (according to the CDFI Fund List: https://lnkd.in/eAqx2zi). The total number of CDFI in the Country is down to 1427 from 1492; I suspect with the recertification more will be lost. Some may say it is a good thing to get rid of CDFI's that can't compete? Maybe, but this view promotes the notion that there is no place for the smaller CDFI's that work closely with a small CDC or a small affordable housing developer repurposing an abandoned duplex, single family home or even a 4 unit building (there are a million other scenarios of projects that bigger CDFI's & banks don't touch because they are too small) or building on a small lot that has been empty for decades. I believe there is a place for all, and we should reconsider scale and impact as well as support the small CDFI's who are committed to intentionally filling the gaps in the financing universe. https://lnkd.in/eyU_NYff

Want to know what draws investors to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)? Check out our latest Deep Dive. Here's what you can learn: - How CDFIs strive to promote a more equitable future - About the strategies CDFIs employ to promote economic empowerment - How investing in CDFIs may align financial goals with social impact objectives, working towards meaningful change while striving for competitive returns Click the link below to learn more! #ImpactInvesting #FinancialEmpowerment #CDFI