No matter how much you earn, if you’re not managing your money well and planning for the future, you’re headed for trouble. It’s frightening to think that over half of Americans won’t have enough saved to retire comfortably, and just as many aren’t prepared for emergencies like lost wages, an unexpected car repair or an unforeseen medical bill. That’s why we’re empowering our community with priceless personal finance education. Our programs reshape your money moves for short-term success and help you build an abundant financial legacy for the long-term. The fact that you’re reading this is a great indicator that you’re ready to take control and charge toward your financial goals. Check out our programs and jump on board – we want to see you WIN!
Financial Capability
Fair Lending
Did you know that 48% of Americans cannot handle a $400 emergency with cash on hand or with a credit card they can pay off the next month? In those situations, too many people turn to payday loans. A payday loan is a short-term, small dollar loan that is due in full at the borrower’s next payday. However, almost half of those who take out a payday loan are not able to pay the loan back as agreed – and they are caught in a debt trap! Project GREEN is committed to battling against the financial devastation caused by the cycle of payday lending. Kent County has 36 brick and mortar payday loan sites – even more than the total of McDonald’s restaurants! Meanwhile, Kent County consumers are borrowing nearly $5 million per month from payday lenders and paying nearly $8 million in payday loan fees per year. We want to raise awareness about the dangers of payday lending, create asset-building programs, develop fair lending alternatives, and advocate for consumer protections.
Advocacy
You have the power to change systems! We just want to encourage you to use it. And we will stand with you as you do. That’s what advocacy is. Project GREEN stands with our fellow citizens to remove barriers that keep them from reaching their financial goals. We train, coach, and equip everyday people to bring about changes that will help the broader community in the area of economic stability and fair lending. This advocacy team focuses on community-centered initiatives that destroy systemic barriers to economic success – so all of us have equal opportunities to thrive.
“We can find solutions to many of our money problems right within our own community when we just have The Money Talk!” – Dallas Lenear, Executive Director /Founder
How We Serve
- Awareness – Raise awareness on dangers of payday lending; increase financial capabilities through direct service resources.
- Alternatives – Redirect short-term lending from predatory lending to fair options.
- Asset-Building – Move Michigan households from asset-reducing to asset-building products & practices.
- Advocacy – Remove systemic economic barriers and increase consumer protections.