Moving Forward Together

Hand Up Loan

Interest-Free Loans for COVID-19 Relief

Where most lenders focus on risk, we focus on what you’re trying to accomplish for your family and future during a time of crisis.

These are unprecedented times as our community takes widespread action to limit the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Thousands of San Diegans have been laid off, furloughed, or are unable to work in order to care for their family – making it difficult to pay monthly expenses, gain new skills, and access vital community services. We are committed to providing interest-free education, small business, and transportation loans so our community can have a secure and financially independent future.

Take the Next Step

“While I was deployed, my wife’s car broke down. In San Diego, you need a car and she needed to repair it quickly to get to work and drive our kids to school. This loan was a lifesaver—we were able to fix the car without risking my wife’s job or disrupting our kid’s activities.”

Our Approach to Lending

We prioritize requests that signal a clear step toward long-term stability, and we work with applicants on budgeting and credit counseling to ensure they can stay on top of their repayment plan. Applicants agree to a maximum repayment term of 36 months and are encouraged to make monthly ACH (automatic electronic) payments.

We provide $1,000 – $2,500 loans for:

  • Education
  • Small Business
  • Car repairs/transportation

What You’ll Need to Apply – Eligibility

  • Proof of San Diego County residency
  • Proof of employment, business, or childcare being affected by COVID-19
  • Last three months of bank statements (to show this is a COVID-19 related need)
  • Rental agreement or mortgage statement
  • Cosigner with stable credit required
    • If a cosigner is unavailable, or the potential cosigner does not pass JFLA credit screening, JFS will work with you to evaluate your situation and present it to the Loan Committee for approval
    • You will be asked to provide a credit report to be reviewed by the program coordinator to evaluate current outstanding debts

Additional Documentation Needed To Support Loan Request

  • Business Loans
    • Business plan showing how loan will be used to stabilize or increase income
    • Business budget, proof of income
  • Education Loans
    • Proof of enrollment in school or certificate program
    • Written statement on why this program would benefit you
    • Budget, proof of income
  • Car repairs/transportation
    • Invoice from mechanic
    • Written statement on how repairs will assist in stabilizing your situation
    • Budget, proof of income