NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 29, 2015
Stacy de las Alas

Contact:
sdelasalas@crisiscenternorth.org
Pittsburgh, PA
412-364-6728

Crisis Center North launches a new loan program called Passport

Offering non-traditional loan services to survivors of Domestic Violence
Pittsburgh- Crisis Center North, a nonprofit organization serving victims of domestic
violence in Allegheny County, now offers a new loan program called Passport. This
program offers non-traditional loan services to survivors of domestic violence in
order to help them obtain resources that a typical loan might not cover.
The mission of Passport is to build a community of advocates assisting survivors by
providing assets not normally available. Through these loans, Passport makes an
investment in the survivor of the community and expects the return on this
investment to include increased self-sufficiency, economic accountability, and a
sense of being an integral part of investing in other victims futures.
CCN has developed a committee consisting of several volunteers, community
members, and agency staff and board members. This group has set up general
guidelines and policies, as well as procedures for qualifying for loans, borrowing
from the fund, and repaying their loan amounts.
The loan amount can range from $50 to $500 and can be used to help individuals
purchase clothes for a job search, repair their vehicle, pay for books and tuition, or
even cover small business costs, such as materials and supplies.
Victims of domestic violence are so often handicapped, even kept from escaping,
by an inability to access funds necessary to obtain or maintain employment. Even
modest assistance for such expenses as car repairs, uniforms, lab fees or books can
make the difference between successful self-assertion and continued victimization,
said Nita Moots-Kincaid, CCN volunteer and Passport program committee chair.
Participants are notified of the loan opportunities through their counselor at CCN.
The applications are then completed and submitted to the committee for review.

-moreWhile the agency is largely funded through Federal and State sources to provide
free and confidential services, the center also receives private funding to create
special programs. The startup of Passport was funded by The Jewish Womens
Foundation and their $5,000 grant. The loans for this program have also been
sponsored by WesBanco and individual donors.
Pittsburgh Central Federal Credit Union (PCFCU) is working with CCN to administer
these loans. The loans can be secured for a six month or 12 month term, and are
offered at a rate of five percent interest. All interest and repaid funds will be
redirected into making additional loans to other survivors in the future.
Two loans have already been administered at the beginning of this year. So far, the
loans have been successful with helping clients secure employment and housing
resources. Both clients have maintained an excellent record of making loan
repayments and keeping constant communication flowing with the organization.
For more information about the Passport program, contact Carly Cooper or Stacy de
las Alas at CCN by calling 412-364-6728.
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