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Frequently Asked Questions

General Information
Q: What is Self-Help?
A: Self-Help is a community development financial institution (CDFI), and is one of the largest CDFIs in the United States. Since its founding in 1980, Self-Help has provided $4.5 billion in financing to 45,000 homeowners small business owners, and other nonprofits, nationwide. Headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, Self-Help operates branch offices in seven North Carolina cities, as well as one office in Washington, D.C., that conduct mortgage and small business lending. Self-Help also operates three full-service credit unions in eastern North Carolina, to provide consumer loan products and services to mostly rural manufacturing communities.

Q: What is Self-Help’s mission statement?
A: Self-Help’s mission is to create and protect ownership and economic opportunity for minorities, women, rural residents, and low-wealth families and communities.

Q: Is Self-Help a bank?
A: Self-Help is not a bank. Self-Help is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that includes a credit union. Self-Help Credit Union raises market rate deposits from members to make commercial and home loans to members. Its members include nonprofit and religious organizations and other socially responsible individuals and institutions.

Q: What is available at Self-Help?
A: Self-Help offers deposit accounts and small business and mortgage lending services through Self-Help Credit Union. Self-Help also offers commercial and residential real estate development through its community development corporation. Deposit accounts include savings, money market, CD, and individual retirement accounts. Self-Help’s lending includes loans for small business development and home purchases. Self-Help’s community development corporation builds and sells affordable housing to first-time homebuyers, and develops and leases commercial property to encourage downtown revitalization in cities across North Carolina.