Our local CDFI has been essential to supporting our organization, our members and so many people in our community who have struggled to access capital and financial services. They understand how to work with our communities and have assisted so many first time home-buyers and new businesses in getting on track and being financially stable. For many of our members this is where they’ve opened their first bank account and learned how to manage their finances.
After coming from several years working in for-profit corporations into a CDFI, I’ve come to appreciate the real benefits CDFIs provide to communities at all levels. CDFIs provide consumer, commercial, mortgage loans, housing development, community facilities when needed, and more creative solutions.
CDFIs are a vital source of capital for the small and micro businesses in our communities, businesses that typically aren’t at the scale to be served by the large banks. They create jobs, generate taxes and keep our communities and economy vibrant and strong.