CHJCC Partners with the Hebrew Free Loan Society as Part of Its Financial Literacy Program

The Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) to help Crown Heights residents access interest-free loan programs for a wide range of financial needs.

This collaboration is part of CHJCC’s ongoing Financial Literacy Program, which focuses on helping individuals and families make informed, responsible financial decisions and connect with trusted financial resources.

HFLS is a long-standing nonprofit organization that provides 0% interest, no-fee loans to low- and moderate-income individuals and families across New York City, Westchester, and Long Island. Loans are available to people of all backgrounds, regardless of religion, immigration status, or credit score.

Intake, Referral, and On-Site Support

As part of its Financial Literacy Program, CHJCC will serve as a community intake, referral, and guidance point for residents interested in HFLS loan programs.

CHJCC may assist with:
• Initial intake and understanding a resident’s general situation
• Gathering basic information and identifying potential eligibility
• Explaining HFLS loan options and requirements at a high level
• Referring residents to HFLS and directing them to the appropriate resources

In addition, HFLS will periodically work out of the CHJCC office, particularly to support more complex or sensitive cases that benefit from in-person discussion and clarification.

Important clarification:
• All loan applications are completed online by the individual applicant
• All applications are reviewed, approved, or declined solely by HFLS
• CHJCC does not make loan decisions and does not guarantee approval

Each application remains individual, confidential, and handled directly by HFLS.
Supporting the Community with Education and Dignity

“This partnership is about education, clarity, and dignity,” said Shmuly Rosenstein, Acting Chairman of CHJCC.
“As part of our Financial Literacy Program, CHJCC helps people understand their options and make informed choices. Our role is to listen, guide, and refer — not to decide outcomes. Working with the Hebrew Free Loan Society allows us to connect community members directly with a trusted resource, while also providing in-person support when cases are more complex.”

HFLS Loan Programs

HFLS offers interest-free loans for a wide range of needs, including:
• General Needs Loans (up to $7,500)
• Debt Consolidation (“Fresh Start”) Loans
• College Loans for undergraduate education
• Additional programs covering health care, training, small business needs, and other specialized circumstances

All HFLS loans require a guarantor, reflecting HFLS’s community-based lending model.

How to Get Started

Residents may:
• Apply directly online at: www.hfls.org, or
• Contact www.chjcc.org for intake support, guidance, and referral assistance
Both options are available. All applications are reviewed independently by HFLS.