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Our Work

Self-Help Credit Union is dedicated to creating and protecting ownership and economic opportunity for all while providing affordable and accessible financial services to underserved communities. Our focus areas include sustainability, racial equity, and gender equity. These core areas are interrelated, and we are committed to advancing them through our work.
Self-Help Credit Union

Learn About Our Work

60% of our direct lending (1980-2022) has been to Justice40 disadvantaged communities.

 

Environmental justice is economic justice. Many of the communities we serve are disproportionately affected by climate change, pollution, and related economic and health impacts. That’s why our environmental commitment is embedded in everything we do. 

Core principles of our environmental work include:
  • We do not finance fossil fuel extraction, infrastructure or delivery.
  • We lend to organizations that have a positive environmental impact.
  • We are expanding green financing options to help reduce energy burden for the communities we serve.
  • We benchmark energy usage, prioritize energy efficient investments, and follow green building guidelines in our real estate development.
  • We're leading the way in carbon footprint tracking in the CDFI field.

We have joined Climate United, a coalition of experienced, mission-driven lenders and investors dedicated to bringing accessible clean energy solutions to Justice40 communities across the country. Climate United has been awarded a historic $6.97 billion grant from the Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. This substantial investment is the largest ever to combat climate change. The grant recognizes Climate United's potential impact in Justice40 communities.

Climate United’s dedication to environmental justice is inextricably linked to economic equity. Many communities served by Self-Help experience a disproportionate climate burden through pollution, economic disruption, and health impacts. This funding will catalyze initiatives nationwide to reduce emissions, promote renewable energy, and mitigate climate challenges.

We are committed to creating a cleaner, healthier, more sustainable future for all. The coalition welcomes new financing partners and project proposals aligned with this transformative opportunity to drive meaningful change. Visit www.weareclimateunited.org to learn more about getting involved.