Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego Empowers Community Members

Sometimes a hand up is all you need, and Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego (HFLSD) offers just that! HFLSD stands as a beacon of hope and compassion, offering interest-free loans to individuals and families facing financial hardship or looking to realize their dreams. Rooted in the Jewish value of gemilut chassadim (acts of loving-kindness), HFLSD offers a unique product to the San Diego Jewish community, providing a lifeline for those in need and empowering people to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Offering a diverse range of loan programs, HFLSD addresses various financial challenges faced by members of the San Diego Jewish community. These include:

• Education Loans: Supporting students pursuing higher education, from undergraduate and graduate degrees to vocational training.
• Small Business Loans: Empowering entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy.
• Personal Needs Loans: Assisting individuals and families facing unexpected expenses such as medical emergencies, home repairs, and temporary job loss.
• Emergency Loans: Providing immediate financial relief for those facing urgent and unforeseen circumstances.

Beyond providing financial assistance, HFLSD prioritizes building meaningful relationships with its borrowers. The organization offers guidance and support, connecting individuals with resources and empowering them to achieve long-term financial stability. Every loan recipient meets with a financial planner to begin their path to financial security.

The impact of HFLSD’s work is far-reaching. Potential loan recipients are carefully vetted based on three key qualifications:

1. Jewish Affiliation: Do you identify as Jewish, live in a Jewish household, or work for a Jewish organization?
2. San Diego Residency: Have you lived in San Diego County for a minimum of six months?
3. Demonstrated Need: Can you provide proof of your financial need?

HFLSD works closely with each individual loan recipient to understand their specific needs and ensure that the financial support provided will truly help them, without creating further financial strain. The goal of HFLSD is to empower those in need to achieve a secure financial future.

One such success story is that of Sarah, a single mother who received an emergency HFLSD loan to cover her rent when her caregiving job experienced a temporary slowdown. “HFLSD helped me keep a roof over my head,” Sarah shares. “Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to afford my rent this month and continue providing for my family.” This loan has been a lifeline for Sarah, allowing her to maintain stability for herself and her children.

HFLSD is committed to long-term sustainability and expanding its reach. Through strategic partnerships, community outreach, and a dedicated team of volunteers, the organization continues to grow and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. Since inception, HFLSD has allocated over $1.3M in loan funds to the community, while maintaining a 0% loan loss.

To learn more about the impactful work of Hebrew Free Loan of San Diego, visit www.hflsd.org or email info@hflsd.org.