Borrow and Save Loan Program Helping People Bridge the Financial Gap

By: Ellen Frick, Outreach Coordinator, NHS of Baltimore

Back in September, Neighborhood Housing Services of Baltimore (NHSB) and the Baltimore Alliance for Economic Inclusion (BAEI) unveiled the Borrow and Save Loan program. The program allows individuals to borrow anywhere from $300 to $1000 which can be repaid over the course of a year, with no pre-payment penalties and borrowers must take a financial fitness class at NHSB and contribute a minimum of $5 per month to a savings account that is matched upon repayment of the loan.

This method of lending is meant to combat “Payday” loans which have extremely high interest rates and can lead to continuous cycles of debt. In Maryland, vendors can charge interest rates up to 36% for so called “cash advances” and “pay-day” loans- the interest rate for the Borrow and Save program is 7.99%. Program participants will be able to use this loan to improve their credit score while learning healthy financial principles. Thus far, the program has provided 79 low-to-moderate income families and individuals with more than $58,100 in loan money. Many of these participants have used the loan money to help them catch up on bills, pay utilities, or make repairs on their homes.

If you or someone you know is in need of a small dollar loan, consider applying for NHS of Baltimore’s Borrow and Save program. As a nonprofit, we’ll get you the money you need to bridge the financial gap in your life, while providing you with financial education for the future. Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Since this program is still in it’s pilot stage, only individuals residing within East Baltimore zip codes (21202, 21205, 21213, 21224, and 21231) are eligible. Call NHSB at 410-327-1200 for more information or to apply. Click here to download the application online.