Banking the Unbanked

A distrust of mainstream financial institutions, the limited presence of these institutions in communities of color and the fee structures found on banking products has caused many low-income families of color in Illinois to turn to alternative financial services for their banking needs.

Individuals without a banking relationship face barriers in accessing financial services for college savings and homeownership. One important key to building wealth and moving up the economic ladder lies in building a positive record with financial institutions.

Relationships with mainstream financial institutions - banks and credit unions - can help build credit histories and move peopele toward positive, wealth-building activities like credit -building loans, home morgage loans, college savings accounts, affordable small dollar loans and retirment savings