Crisis Center Donors Pave Way for  

Launch of "Pay It Forward"   

The idea of "paying it forward" has been popularized in books and movies through the years. The beneficiary of a good deed repays it to others, creating a positive domino effect that is triggered by the original good deed.
 
In June, the Crisis Center implemented Pay It Forward, an innovative program to provide no interest loans to working families. The program is a partnership between The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Fifth Third Bank. Pay It Forward targets working families whose poor credit record often puts them at the mercy of high interest lenders. Its goal is to promote self-sufficiency by enabling families to borrow money at no interest for essential needs, such as a car repair so they can get to work.  Pay It Forward is funded by gifts and contributions to the Crisis Center.  As families pay back the money they've borrowed, the funds become available to help more families in similar situations.
 
Two families have already experienced the difference a Pay It Forward loan can make. The first loan was made to a family to replace their air  

conditioning unit so Jamie, who is in a wheelchair and has a medical  

condition exacerbated by heat, is able to remain safely at home while his wife, Karen, is at work.   The second loan was issued to a Erica and her two young children, one of whom is severely disabled. The loan will be used to purchase a reliable car so Erica will have transportation to work and be able  

to support her children.

The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is responsible for reviewing loan applications and approving loans. Fifth Third Bank administers the loans and helps loan recipients establish and build a relationship with a financial institution. Loan applicants must be a client of the Crisis Center, agree to attend a Money Management class, and receive case management services for the duration of their loan repayment period.

Because of your donations, innovative Crisis Center programs like Pay It Forward are possible. To make a financial contribution to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's Pay It Forward program, please click HERE (just designate Pay It Forward when you make your donation). People interested in learning more about how to qualify for a Pay It Forward loan can contact The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at 813.964.1964