Business Details
32 Years
experience
Your Trusted Community Development Financial Institution
For over 25 years, we have dedicated ourselves to transforming communities through equitable financial solutions. Our mission centers on providing accessible financial services to low-wealth residents, empowering homeowners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across Connecticut. Through construction-rehab loans, tax lien foreclosure prevention programs, and policy advocacy, we address systemic barriers that exclude individuals from traditional financial systems. Our deep local expertise ensures investors achieve measurable social impact while maintaining sound financial returns. With a track record of zero investor losses since 1994, we combine rigorous underwriting with community-driven strategies to revitalize neighborhoods.Our work has facilitated over $57 million in investments, rehabbed 1,145 affordable housing units, and created or retained 1,424 jobs. We measure success not just through financial metrics but through tangible community outcomes like increased tax revenue and improved access to healthy foods. As a certified CDFI, we advocate for policy reforms that address economic disparities, including Hartford's tax lien practices. Our technical assistance programs help borrowers overcome credit challenges, language barriers, and financial literacy gaps. With expanded lending territory covering all of Connecticut, we continue evolving to meet emerging community needs while maintaining our founding commitment to social justice.
Services
Construction Rehab Loans
Tax Lien Foreclosure Prevention
Healthy Foods Financing
Small Business Loans
Home Improvement Loans
Policy Advocacy Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- Certified CDFI with 25+ years of community impact experience
- Zero investor losses since our founding in 1994
- Specialized in financing for underserved urban communities
- Advocates for policy reforms addressing economic disparities
- Provides technical assistance to overcome financial barriers
Associations and certifications
- CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution)
Services
Construction Rehab Loans
We finance residential and mixed-use property renovations across Connecticut. Our loans help transform blighted buildings into affordable housing and commercial spaces. Borrowers receive tailored financial solutions and technical assistance to overcome credit barriers.
Tax Lien Foreclosure Prevention
This program helps Hartford homeowners refinance tax liens to avoid foreclosure. We provide customized financing solutions that prevent displacement while preserving property ownership for vulnerable residents in our target communities.
Healthy Foods Financing
Our initiative expands access to affordable, nutritious food options in underserved neighborhoods. We support projects that address food deserts through targeted financial investments and community partnership development.
Small Business Loans
We provide capital to small businesses in low-wealth areas. Our loans support business creation and expansion projects that generate local employment opportunities and strengthen neighborhood economic ecosystems.
Policy Advocacy Services
We advocate for systemic changes to financial policies affecting low-wealth residents. Our efforts focus on reforming tax lien practices and creating more equitable access to financial resources across Connecticut communities.
People
Michael B. Haynes
CEO
Led the organization since its founding, driving community impact through innovative financial solutions while maintaining sound fiscal management. Stepping down in 2024 after decades of service.
Anna Emanuel
President
Board leader guiding strategic direction and governance. Committed to expanding financial access and community development impact across Connecticut's underserved neighborhoods.
Thomas M. Wood
Treasurer
Financial steward ensuring responsible fiscal management and investor relations. Focuses on maintaining strong portfolio performance while maximizing community impact metrics.
Emily Hultquist
Secretary
Board member overseeing organizational accountability and compliance. Advocates for transparent operations that align with community development goals and investor expectations.
Annie Lazarus
Board Member
Community representative contributing local insights to lending decisions. Works to ensure financial services address specific needs of Hartford's diverse neighborhoods and residents.
Questions
What is a CDFI?
A Community Development Financial Institution certified by the US Treasury that focuses on underserved markets, providing financial services and community development support.
How do I apply for a loan?
Contact us directly to discuss your financing needs and receive guidance through the application process tailored to your specific project requirements.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Hartford neighborhoods with construction loans available statewide, while tax lien refinancing is limited to Hartford properties.
What loan products are available?
We offer construction-rehab loans, tax lien foreclosure prevention financing, small business loans, and home improvement loans for Connecticut properties.
How are you funded?
We receive capital from socially-minded investors, banks, foundations, and government grants while maintaining our own equity and debt capital.
What community impact have you achieved?
We've facilitated over $57 million in investments, rehabbed 1,145 affordable housing units, created 1,424 jobs, and maintained zero investor losses since 1994.
