Partner description
The non-profit Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) is a community lending organization whose mission is to help “Rebuild and Empower Underserved and Underbanked Communities in Florida”.

SELF helps low- to moderate-income property owners identify and make cost-effective improvements to their homes and businesses. Property upgrades focus on energy efficiency, wind resilience and water quality and use.

Low- to moderate-income communities often have substandard housing stock with outdated appliances and inadequate insulation. Working class families are disproportionately affected by steadily rising energy costs. Without affordable financing, many property owners must either endure the negative consequences of deteriorating homes and structures or rely on predatory lenders to secure financing.
 
A unique lending approach
SELF uses Kiva financing to help women and military veteran homeowners complete much-needed home improvement projects that save money on energy and insurance costs, enhance comfort and livability, build home equity and increase market value, and safeguard their homes from storms and hurricanes.

While homeowners have income to repay the loan, they might not have a solid credit history. The low-cost loans can help borrows to build or strengthen their credit rating.

SELF handles all project management and the borrower's only responsibility is to make monthly loan repayments.
 
SELF’s clients also have access to energy audits performed by a state-certified energy rater, and all participating contractors have been prescreened for quality assurance. SELF helps clients remove the inefficiencies from their homes and use the energy savings, rebates and tax credits to help pay off the loans over time.