Delaware Community Reinvestment Action Council Inc

Programs: Low income tax clinic: as part of the internal revenue service restructuring and reform act of 1998 (rra 98), congress enacted irs subsection 7526 to authorize funding for the low income tax clinic grant program. The program protects taxpayers' rights by providing access to representation for low-income taxpayers, so that achieving a correct outcome in an irs dispute does not depend on the taxpayer's ability to pay for representation. Many low-income taxpayers are also individuals for whom english is a second language (esl taxpayers). Consequently, congress authorized funding for organizations to provide outreach and education about taxpayer rights and responsibilities to esl taxpayers in addition to representing low-income taxpayers in controversies with the irs. Representation, education, and advocacy are the primary functions of litcs.

economic justice program: stepping stones community federal credit union (ssc fcu): the story of ssc fcu begins on october 16, 2003 with a community meeting at neighborhood house to discuss predatory lending. Ncua grants the only charter in 2011 to stepping stones. Member education is central to our growth plans. Providing competitive alternatives to costly loans and banking services, is equally important. The unbanked often end up paying two sets of fees - one to turn their paycheck into cash, another to turn their cash into a money order. In 2008, the brookings institution estimated that such fees accumulate to $40,000 over the career of a full-time worker. We offer $5 share account, direct deposits, and affordable loans. This fiscal year, we have laid the groundwork for a bank on wheels. In 2018, we expect the van to drive into neighborhoods, open accounts, provide information on direct deposits, and instantly issue atm cards usable at no cost at a wsfs bank atm.

housing clinic: works toward foreclosure prevention, sustainable homeownership, and obtaining title for homeowners (including mobile homes) without one. Behind every foreclosure is a family who has lost its largest store of wealth, has an extensive injury to the credit rating, and has had a psychological impact on self-confidence and future financial security. We help guide these families toward a more secure financial future by assessing their choices: keep the home or find alternative housing. Our future homeowners will build and preserve their wealth because they recognize that it is their reponsibility to protect their largest investment - their home. Our title project works with homeowners to resolve their title issues and ensure that ownership in their home is clear and correct.

credit clinic: works toward developing more capable and financially savvy consumers who are aware of the pros and cons of their actions/inactions and are a resource to their family, friends, and community. Launched in 1995, the program has changed in response to our clients, technology, and of course changes in the industry. As an established program, it enjoys financial support from our financial institutions, as well as, a few state agencies. In addition to teaching classes and providing financial coaching, we also use facebook to set up a 52 week savings challenge and a 52 week credit builder challenge. We are working toward launching an app next year.