Hartford Public Library

Hartford Public Library, in partnership with Connecticut Association for Human Services, The Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund’s Bank On, and Liberty Bank, will develop and implement an adaptable financial capability model designed to connect unbanked and underbanked individuals with mainstream financial institutions. This project refines the lending circle practice by fostering a responsive and ongoing partnership directly between the participant and their local bank through a matched savings program that enables the participant to build a financial history. They will supplement the lending circles by direct and ongoing engagement with each other, library staff, bank representatives, financial coaches, and cultural navigators. They also will create campaigns, incorporate financial literacy content in ESL classes, and create professional development trainings. Un- and underbanked immigrants with limited English proficiency and/or with under 10 years of U.S. residency will benefit from this project.