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who we are

HFLA is a non-profit organization that seeks to foster economic stability and opportunity amongst members of the Jewish community in British Columbia. 

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what we do

We provide access to affordable credit in the form of a 0% interest loan so that our borrowers can overcome financial challenges and build better lives. 

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how we do it

We use money donated by caring members of our community and lend it out to borrowers in need. We charge absolutely no interest or fees on these loans; borrowers are only required to pay back the amount borrowed and not a single dollar more.

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how we can helP

We offer loan programs that cover a variety of needs. Some of our programs are focused around poverty relief while others are based on helping people realize their dreams. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can borrower from HFLA?

In order to qualify for an HFLA loan, an applicant must: 1) Be Jewish 2) Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanant Resident 3) Be currently living in British Columbia (excpetions made for students who went to High School in B.C.) 4) Be 19 years of age or older



How much are your loans for?

We have many different loan programs with varying loan limits. To view our various limits, please visit the "Loan Programs" section of this site.



How do I apply?

You can apply directly online. The online form should take about fifteen to thirty minutes to complete.



What is a guarantor? How many do I need?

A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay back your loan if you cannot. Every loan requires that you have at least one Jewish guarantor. Loans over $5000 require that you have a second guarantor and loans over $10,000 require that you have a third guarantor. Please note that second and third guarantors need not be Jewish. Before proceeding with your application, it is important that you secure guarantor(s). For many, this is the hardest part of the process. We understand how difficult it is to reach out to a family member or friend to ask for their assistance. However, more often than not, people are pleasantly surprised that when they do they get a postive and supportive response.



Who can serve as a guarantor?

In order to serve as a guarantor, one must: 1) Reside in B.C. 2) Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanant Resident 3) Be at least 19 years old 4) Demonstrate financial ability to repay the loan in the event of default 5) Not have legally joint finances with the applicant (ie: spouses may not act as a guarantor for eachother) 6) Not have legally joint finances with the other guarantor(s)



What happens after I submit my loan application?

After submitting your application, you will be called by a volunteer board member to arrange an interview. Due to COVID, these interviews are currently being conducted over ZOOM, Facetime or another suitable platform. After your interview is complete, your application will be considered by our board which meets twice per month. You will be notified within 24 hours of our board meeting as to the status of your application.



If my loan is approved, what happens next?

If your loan is approved, you will be sent a promissory note to sign and a banking information form to complete. Your guarantors will also be sent a guarantee document to be signed. Once all of these documents have been completed and received in good order, you will receive your loan disbursement.



How do I pay back my loan?

Repyament begins within 30 days of loan disbursement and will be done by direct withdrawl from your bank account monthly until your loan is paid back in full.



Are there really no fees and no interest?

Really! We are not a bank and our only desire is to help. We never charge any interest or fees on any of our loans.



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