CDFIs are the oil in the engine of our economy. They support small businesses with patient flexible capital, when they need it the most; when they are starting out. Without support for these institutions, small businesses will be blocked by high fees, high interest rates, demand payments, and other predatory behavior that impedes and tanks their efforts to grow the US economy.
NeighborGood Partners became certified as a CDFI by the U.S. Treasury in 2004 and since then, the Loan Fund has lent a total of $180.4 million in 294 loans for affordable housing, community facilities, and neighborhood revitalization. The fund averages about 20 loans a year, with its staff of five managing over $30 million in assets, which represents a 3000% growth in assets since 2004.
I cannot state strongly enough how important CDFIs have been to my community and to the country as a whole. They rely in part — as they should — on federal financial support. Please release funds for use by the many CDFIs in the USA.