Free Financial Repair Program for Struggling Metro Detroiters, Offering Potential $2,500 Payment to Start!

Struggling Metro Detroiters Offered the Opportunity for a Potential $2,500 Payment Through Gesher Human Services’ “HarMoney” Financial Repair Program.

Six-week virtual financial education classes begin with informational meeting on June 17, classes start June 24; program made possible by a $75,000 grant from Huntington Bank.

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (June 2025) ­– Gesher Human Services’ successful financial repair program HarMoney, which offers metro Detroiters the opportunity to reduce their debt, improve their credit scores and have the ability to afford the down payment for purchasing a home, will begin with an informational meeting on June 17. The program is made possible because of a $75,000 grant from Huntington Bank and offers low to moderate income families (as defined by US Department of Housing and Urban Development) with a credit score of 620 or below, a way to get their finances back on track through an effective financial education program. Participants will learn about budgeting, credit, and money management, and savings advice when classes start on June 24 at noon.

The program will also provide advice on how to reach out to creditors,

figure out payment options, look for ways to pay off debt, and find credit cards with lower interest rates if necessary. On completion of HarMoney, participants are eligible for up to a $2,500 payment, which can be used towards further paying off debt and improving their credit score, or towards purchasing a home. Participants must meet all program requirements and claim their grant within six months of the final session. To join the program, go to   geshermi.org/harmoney and register preferably by June 18.

“While some people are apprehensive about purchasing a home, especially now in this time of economic uncertainty, we want the community to know that there are programs like ours which can get their finances in a position where home ownership becomes possible,” explained Financial Education Manager Laltsha Cunningham.

One recent past participant, Roy Ford, a truck driver in Detroit,

was able to purchase his first home in Pontiac in May 2025 after completing Gesher’s Home Ownership classes and the HarMoney program. Ford, 49, said that he was the first in his family to become a homeowner. “The process would have been very intimidating without learning about better budgeting, seeing where my wages went and knowing what to expect when purchasing a home,” he explained. “I thought my credit score was 580 or 590 but Gesher found that it was actually 635 which I didn’t even realize, but they helped me clean it up more and reduce my debt.” Ford feels that his parents, both deceased, would have been so happy for him to have his own home. “I feel like they are cheering me and smiling from above,” he added.

Cunningham added that the $2,500 payment was valuable in helping people over the hurdle of having to save for a down payment, or even dip into their emergency fund which is something she doesn’t advise people to do. “Since the HarMoney program started in 2021, we have seen metro Detroiters able to move forward in their lives with a much stronger financial footing and in some cases become homeowners,” she said. “It really is a program which can change families’ lives for the better.”

Gesher Human Services also provides one-on-one financial counseling to the community which can be scheduled by calling 248.233.4299 or email financialhelp@geshermi.org.

About Gesher Human Services

Gesher Human Services is a non-profit organization providing a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home and in the community. It is dedicated to helping people across metro Detroit lead more stable and fulfilling lives through workforce development, career mobility, behavioral health, inclusion programming and residential services that serve all metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community. The organization works with job seekers, people with disabilities, older adults, and the community at large to provide skills, support, and equitable opportunities for people to succeed. Uniting two of metro Detroit’s most influential Jewish human services agencies, JVS Human Services and Kadima, Gesher brings over 110 years of combined experience facilitating equitable employment opportunities and better mental health outcomes for residents. With a network of more than 400 employees and volunteers across 25 locations in southeast Michigan, Gesher delivers a continuum of services and support that directly impacts the lives of over 26,000 individuals and families annually. More information at www.geshermi.org.