“VITA Credit Builder” by Mission Economic Development Agency

In 2010, Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Credit Builder program with the primary goal to establish or improve credit for low-income Latino immigrants and help them responsibly manage credit over the long term. VITA Credit Builder proposed to augment MEDA’s IRS-funded VITA program and leverage the tax preparation process as a timely moment to engage clients. VITA Credit Builder helped clients enroll for a secured credit card and use tax refunds to make the necessary deposit. The secured card was provided by MEDA’s financial partner, the Cooperative Center Federal Credit Union.

The project received funding from the Center for Financial Services Innovation’s Financial Capability Innovation Funds.