St. Louis Jewish Loan Association - General Needs Loan

Geographic Scope: St. Louis Jewish community

Program Type: Interest-free loan program

History:
Became part of Jewish Federation in 1942. Relaunched in 2021 after pandemic provided opportunity to re-envision the program.

Loan Purpose:
General Needs Loan can include but not be limited to:

• Medical and dental expenses
• Mortgage or rent payments
• Home repairs
• Legal fees
• Funeral expenses
• Vehicle purchases and repairs
• Taxes
• Education
• Jewish life cycle celebrations
• Jewish summer camp
• General living expenses
• Credit card debt
• Adoption
• Small business loans

Loan Terms:

• Up to $5,000
• Payable over 36 months
• Interest-free
• Guided by Jewish values from Torah and teachings of Maimonides

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must demonstrate ability to repay the loan
• Must provide one guarantor as part of application

Program Structure:
Three-year pilot project anticipated to evolve based on collected data about unmet needs of borrowers. Funds are recycled as borrowers repay loans, making funds available again to new borrowers.

Director:
Lori Kabrun-Berry, Director of Foundations (supervises the loan program)

Staff:
Jennifer McGroty, Part-time staff managing day-to-day operations

Application Process

How to Apply:

• Secure and confidential online application
• Apply on the St. Louis Jewish Loan Association website

Required Materials:

• Demonstration of ability to repay
• Information for one guarantor

For More Information:
Contact: St. Louis Jewish Loan Association
Phone: 314-442-3755
Email: jewishloan@jfedstl.org
Website: https://www.stljla.org/