Press

A New Glass Ceiling

Written by lending8 on May 9, 2014.

“Social entrepreneurs blending business savvy with public mission are crafting new means to meet old goals. These innovators range from the Mission Continues (which helps veterans reenter society through service), to the Mission Asset Fund’s “Lending Circles,” which are helping immigrants assimilate in the San Francisco Bay Area, to the hybrid high school/community college/vocational training that is boosting a mostly minority student body at San Antonio’s Alamo Academies.“

by Ronald Brownstein

What Do 54 Million Americans Need but Don’t Have?

Written by lending8 on May 6, 2014.

“Low-income individuals in the United States face extraordinary financial challenges: 54 million people do not have credit scores.”

by Jose Quinonez

Emerge Americas Techweek draws 220 companies, 115 startups

Written by lending8 on May 6, 2014. No Comments on Emerge Americas Techweek draws 220 companies, 115 startups

“Booting up with 6,000 attendees – 1,000 more than initially expected – the eMerge Americas Techweek concluded Tuesday with organizers and attendees lauding the convention that drew tech innovators and investors from throughout the U.S., the Caribbean and Latin America.”

By Emon Reiser

Mission Asset Fund and Grassroots Finance

Written by lending8 on April 21, 2014.

” You’ve probably read a lot recently about San Francisco being ravaged by gentrification and economic inequality. But some innovative grassroots initiatives are making immigrant families and neighborhoods more economically resilient, by lending them a helping hand, or rather, lending them some money, and helping them pursue their dreams. The Mission Asset Fund has been working with the Latino community of San Francisco to give people access to no-cost loans, based on a traditional system of lending circles, also known as tandas.”

by Michelle Chen

Lending Circles Helps Latinas Invest

Written by lending8 on April 1, 2014. No Comments on Lending Circles Helps Latinas Invest

Cuban-American Barb Mayo describes a tanda like this: “It’s like a no-interest loan with your friends.” Mayo had never heard of tandas growing up, and it wasn’t until she started working in sales for a cable company in Southern California that she was introduced to the concept.

by Shereen Marisol Meraji

Program assists gay SF immigrant couple

Written by lending8 on March 27, 2014. No Comments on Program assists gay SF immigrant couple

“For the first time in years, Gustavo Cerritos and Edgar Cruz feel a sense of freedom. ”

by Matthew S. Bajko

Reforming laws won’t be enough. Immigrants need financial help, too.

Written by lending8 on February 28, 2014. No Comments on Reforming laws won’t be enough. Immigrants need financial help, too.

“Nobody quite knows what immigration reform will looks like, much less when it will happen, but one thing’s for sure: Under a new law, immigrants would be asked to pay at least several hundred dollars in fees for the privilege of becoming U.S. citizens, not to mention all the back taxes they might owe.”

by Lydia Depillis

Consumer al Dia: Prestamos a los Dreamers

Written by lending8 on February 27, 2014. No Comments on Consumer al Dia: Prestamos a los Dreamers

Account Manager, Stephanie Cajina, shares how DREAMers can receive loans to apply for DACA through the Lending Circles for DREAMers program.

Lending Bill Helps Poor By Slicing Through Red Tape

Written by lending8 on January 30, 2014. No Comments on Lending Bill Helps Poor By Slicing Through Red Tape

“The legislation (SB 896), by Lou Correa of Santa Ana, is small potatoes compared with many bills legislators are scurrying to move along by a deadline this week, but it does offer a refreshing way to deal with a real problem — the lack of lending opportunities for people without credit histories.”

by Steven Greenhut

Bill Promotes Lending in Immigrant Communities

Written by lending8 on January 23, 2014. No Comments on Bill Promotes Lending in Immigrant Communities

“Seeking to promote low-dollar alternatives to payday loans, an Orange County state senator introduced legislation Thursday to encourage nonprofits to facilitate lending cooperatives among low-income families.”

by Timm Herdt