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GREATER PROVIDENCE HEBREW FREE LOAN ASSOCIATION
Our Mission
The mission of a Greater Providence Hebrew Free Loan is to provide interest-free loans to individuals and families in need, based on a biblical mandate to assist the community without charging interest. Our organization's aim is to help people become and remain self-sufficient through financial assistance, supporting them with dignity, compassion, and respect. The loans are often used for diverse needs such as medical bills, utility bills, education, emergencies, and small business support. We support people that identify as being Jewish in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Our History
Greater Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association came into existence through the merger of two local associations - South Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association, founded in 1905, and Gemilath Chesed Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association, founded in 1903. The merger in 2018 was to form a strong, cohesive group to serve the Jewish Community in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Officially we are still South Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association dba Greater Providence Hebrew Free Loan Association.
The origins of the two great groups and hundreds of others throughout the United States reflects on the biblical passage “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, do not act toward them as a creditor; exact no interest from them” – Exodus 22:25. We are a proud member of the International Association of Hebrew Free Loans and rank in the Top 20 in the United States.
The original associations provided short term loans for items such as coal to warm their tenements, a chicken for Shabbas, stocking their pushcart, or ensuring a proper religious education.
Today, we still offer interest-free loans for heating assistance, but also for medical, educational, life-changing events, and anything else as we do not evaluate the reason. Our mission remains the same with more money available for loans commiserating with today’s environment.
Contact Us
Address: 2845 Post Road Suite 105, Warwick, RI 02886
Email: gphfla2018@gmail.com
Phone: 401-384-7251
Greater Providence Hebrew Free Loan is a member of the International Association of Jewish Free Loans (IAJFL). The IAJFL is a network of more than 50 Jewish free loan agencies throughout the world with the common goal of providing interest-free loans to those in need. If you do not live in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, or Connecticut, click here to check out the IAJFL website to find your nearest free loan agency!