During hundreds of individual meetings, house meetings and listening season forums over the past two years, MACG leaders heard story after story of people swimming in credit card debt, overwhelmed by student loans, suffering because of bad credit, or simply unable to figure out how to manage financial resources.
 
After researching various avenues for action, MACG began a conversation with executives at Albina Community Bank to build a relationship that will address the need for hundreds of families in our member institutions to build their understanding of the financial system, learn how to set a budget, save money, repair credit, and set a course for a healthy financial future. Modeled on a successful effort by another IAF organization (Greater Boston Interfaith Organization), MACG is interested in working with Albina because of its history working to address the financial needs of underserved people in Portland and also because many of our institutions have an existing relationship with the bank. As we built a relationship with our ally organization, Black Parent Initiative, their leaders recognized they were hearing similar stories in their churches and decided to join forces in this effort.

If you are interested in learning more, contact the MACG office. Email office@macg.org or call 503.235.6474 x 3.