Lending Link provides responsive financial coaching coupled with affordable, alternative loans.

We support low- to moderate-income individuals and households by addressing two critical community voids:

• Education and coaching to promote long-term financial stability
• Access to low-cost capital to increase financial self-sufficiency and security

The prevalence of payday and car title lenders in our community have a significant impact on the finances of low- and middle-income households — and create a critical need for responsive financial education programs and affordable, alternative loans. Evidence of the need lies in the numbers: 22 percent of Nebraskans report borrowing money from a non-bank in the past five years, and 56 percent say they spend about as much or more money than they earn.

Problems at both the individual and systems levels are causing difficult financial situations, including: lack of access to mainstream forms of credit, lack of basic financial knowledge, stigma and embarrassment, lack of livable wages, income inequality, banking industry changes and the convenience of alternative financial services such as payday lenders.

Our programs and services strive to:

• Teach basic financial and debt management
• Transition clients away from payday and other predatory lenders
• Guide clients to achieve long-term financial health through low interest rates and longer terms for repayment