Financial Literacy
Family Loan Program
Serving the Greater Danbury Area
The Family Loan Program of Danbury offers small, low-interest loans to help qualified applicants cover essential expenses. Loan amounts range from $500 to $10,000 with a fixed 5.5% interest rate, regardless of credit score.
Eligible uses include:
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Used Car Purchase – Up to $10,000 for reliable transportation to work
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Vehicle Repairs – Up to $2,000
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Security Deposits – Up to $2,000 to secure stable housing
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Childcare Costs – Up to $1,000 for one-time registration fees or summer camp
In addition to financial assistance, we provide Financial Education and Budget Counseling to support self-sufficiency, ensure successful loan repayment, and help build positive credit. These services are available to anyone in need of financial guidance
Services
• One-on-one budgeting advice
• Helpful financial education and resource materials
• Assistance during the application process and throughout the life of the loan
• Ability to borrow money at a low 5.5% interest rate regardless of bad credit score or no credit history
• Flexible loan repayment schedule
• Referral to other social service resources within Catholic Charities, the community, and the state
• Peace of mind provided by Catholic Charities, one of the largest and oldest social service providers in Connecticut
Helpful Articles to Read:
Frequently Asked Questions
All residents of Fairfield County over the age of 18 may apply for financial education and loans.
Catholic Charities has two loan programs serving Fairfield County:
- Loan and Financial Education Program (Lower Fairfield County): Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, New Canaan, Norwalk, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford, Trumbull, Westport, Weston, Wilton
- Family Loan Program (Greater Danbury area): Ridgefield, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, New Fairfield, Brookfield, Monroe, New Milford. Individuals outside the Danbury area may still be considered if they work in the designated area.
Loan and Financial Education Program: No, applicants must provide an ITIN, a foreign passport, and two additional forms of identification if they do not have a Social Security number.
Family Loan Program: Yes, a Social Security number and valid driver’s license are required.
Yes. Credit history is reviewed but does not affect loan approval. Credit reports are used as educational tools and to process loan documents. Timely loan payments can help improve a client’s credit over time.
Loans are available for cars, immigration fees, childcare, home repairs, job training, school tuition, and other unplanned expenses. Loans cannot be used for past due bills, credit card debt, or living expenses such as rent, food, or utilities. Please check with the loan program manager for specific eligibility.
Borrowers may be eligible for loans up to $10,000. Limits vary by program and purpose:
- Car purchases: up to $10,000
- Vehicle repairs or security deposits: up to $2,000
- Childcare-related costs: up to $1,000
- Other purposes: contact loan program manager
Loan approval generally takes 4–6 weeks, depending on client availability for budget counseling and submission of necessary documents.
Applicants receive free, one-on-one financial education and budget counseling, designed to support successful repayment and strengthen financial self-sufficiency. Services include personalized budgeting advice and access to helpful resources. Available in-person, online, or by phone.
No. The interest rate is fixed at 5.5% regardless of credit history.
No. There is no penalty for early repayment.
Who to Contact
Dianne Crespo
Program Manager
203-727-3332
Location
405 Main Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Program Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 4:30pm
In addition to our Danbury location, we also offer Family Loan Program services in Norwalk. Learn more about our Norwalk location here.
Required Documents for Loan Applicants
FAMILY LOAN PROGRAM NEWS
Child Tax Credit
If you have children who live with you most of the year, your family may qualify for a new Federal payment program that started in July 2021. This program is a part of the American Rescue Plan signed by President Biden.