Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS)

The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS) fosters financial stability and opportunity among lower-income New Yorkers by providing access to safe and affordable credit in the form of interest-free loans. HFLS loans make an immediate, concrete difference in the lives of our borrowers, enabling them to invest in their education, start a business, meet emergency expenses, and more.  Founded in 1892 by ten leaders of the Jewish immigrant community on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, rhese friends pooled $95 to create an interest-free loan fund and made loans starting at 50 cents. Today, we continue that tradition of making interest-free loans available to New Yorkers who need immediate help or want to invest in their futures, but cannot afford or do not qualify for commercial credit.