Self-Help

Pride is more than visibility, it’s stability, ownership, and economic power.

At Self-Help, we believe financial wellness is part of liberation. That means helping LGBTQ+ communities access the tools to build savings, buy homes, grow businesses, and create long-term security.

Because when people have access to fair financial systems, entire communities thrive.

Pride is joy. Pride is identity. Pride is financial power.

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the benefits of owning a home and the importance of making homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone.

This month, we’re sharing Jesse and Alejandra story.

After meeting at a football stadium, the couple decided to start their next chapter together by becoming homeowners. They attended homebuyer education classes and connected with our Fresno, CA branch, where Mortgage Loan Officer Sarah Cervantes helped guide them through their options.

With support from Self-Help’s Equity Boost program, they were able to reduce their down payment and secure a more affordable path to homeownership — settling into their new home just in time for their wedding 💍🏠

Today, they can even see the stadium where they first met from their home.

That’s the power of home.

Read their story here: https://bit.ly/4eoXfom?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_olnh08bfzb

🏳️‍🌈 Pride is Powerful.

Self-Help Credit Union believes everyone deserves access to opportunity—no matter who they love or how they identify.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. We also reaffirm our commitment to economic justice and inclusive financial services that empower every person to thrive.

True equity means showing up—every month, for every community.

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May is AANHPI Heritage Month.

Self-Help honors the vibrant cultures and vital contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. But did you know that elder financial exploitation is one of the most common harms reported among elder Asian Americans?

According to NAPCA, 18% of respondents reported financial mistreatment. And while 73% of AANHPI adults over 50 feel confident spotting scams, only 29% passed AARP’s fraud quiz.

In our latest blog post, we explore what elder financial abuse looks like, unique challenges AANHPI elders face, and red flags to watch for.

Read more and stay informed: https://community.sh/ElderAANHPI

The Julian Bond Institute 2050 Survey surveyed 5,269 Americans across four generations and found something powerful: the communities facing the greatest financial barriers have the HIGHEST financial ambitions.

Here's what the data shows:

86% of Americans aspire to homeownership — but only 23% of Black Millennials have achieved it, compared to 51% of White Millennials.

66% of Black Millennials want to own a business, roughly double the rate of White Millennials, yet over half feel they'll never get there.

Only 15% of Hispanic Americans have an estate plan in place, compared to 39% of White Americans.

53% of Black Gen Z used buy-now-pay-later products in the past year, vs. 28% of White Gen Z, a sign that when the financial system falls short, people find workarounds that often carry real costs.

The racial wealth gap isn't a motivation problem. It's an access problem.

Read the full report → https://community.sh/4u4Lnwz

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. 🇺🇸

As we reflect on their legacy, we’re reminded of the importance of supporting strong, thriving communities — something that continues to inspire the work we do every day at Self-Help.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

In observance of Memorial Day, all Self-Help branches will be closed on Monday, May 25.

Members can still access their accounts anytime through online and mobile banking.

Last night, Self-Help and our very own Dan Levine were recognized by the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina for our continued work to create and preserve affordable housing in our community.

Mayor Jess Anderson presented an Affordable Housing Month proclamation, shining a spotlight on the collective impact of partners, advocates, and community leaders working together to expand access to safe, stable housing.

That recognition builds on important momentum. In March, community leaders, housing advocates, and local partners came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of Homestead Gardens—a new affordable housing community that will expand access to homes and advance more inclusive, community-centered development in Chapel Hill.

We’re proud to stand alongside our partners and community leaders in this work—and grateful for the shared commitment to making affordable housing a reality for more families.

Memorial Day sales can be tempting — but smart spending never goes out of season 🇺🇸💸

Before you shop:
• Stick to your budget
• Compare prices before buying
• Avoid impulse purchases
• Focus on long-term value over quick deals