The Credit Union Roots - "People Helping People"

Your journey toward financial security might begin when you establish your first savings account, or when you repair a damaged credit rating, or even when you take the major step of purchasing your first house. But, you might hit a snag along the way.

That’s when you may need the help of the “People Helping People” at Heritage Credit Unions. “People Helping People” is the motto that embodies the services credit unions offer nationwide.

For example, a New Jersey credit union helped a hard-working man when he family was hit with two crises--he was downsized from his job at the same time that his son was suffering a severe mental breakdown.

The credit union reviewed his financial situation and helped restructure his finances. He continues to meet regularly with the credit union.

In another example, a San Antonio credit union is helping 144 families purchase homes. These families would fail to qualify for standard mortgages because of poor or nonexistent credit histories, inability to provide a down payment, or lack of education about home ownership and opportunities. Families meeting the income guidelines must attend home ownership classes, including credit union sessions about financial management. A federal grant program lowers the monthly cost for participants by “forgiving” up to $10,000 of the home’s costs if applicants remain in the home for 20 years and make payments on time.

A Michigan credit union also reflects the “People Helping People” motto. Michigan law requires people receiving public assistance to participate in the Michigan Works program to obtain job counseling and training while they continue top seek employment. The credit union gives Michigan Works participants and other community residents the opportunity to regain financial privileges with the “Earn It Back” program. Participants must complete four classes about budgeting, credit, financial stability, and checking accounts and then pass a quiz with a score of 80% or better. Participants who demonstrate their ability to learn new financial skills get to open a savings account and eventually get to open a checking account with ATM (automated teller machine) privileges.

Heritage Credit Union is now looking at loans in a totally different way. Heritge Credit Union realizes that people have financial difficulties sometimes but still have financial dreams. To help make these dreams possible HCU has implemented Creditwise "rebuilding your credit today for a better tomorrow".

When you feel you don't have the credit rating score to get financial services that you need, come into Heritage Credit Union, where we have "People Helping People" to help make financial dreams come true.