Seeing the demand for a resource center opened by Hawaii First Federal Credit Union, the cooperative is gearing up to open a second one.
The $39 million credit union in Kamuela will open the Hawaii First Community Resource Center in Hilo in November. Residents of the island will have free access to computers, financial counseling, information on matched savings accounts for home ownership, college savings or starting a business as well as and résumé and job seeking assistance.
The new center will also offer foreclosure assistance, free income tax preparation, small business development support, homebuyer education, and various workshops and classes.
“We have been working long and hard at making this a reality for our community members located in the rural areas on the Hilo side of the island,” Laura Aguirre, president/CEO of Hawaii First FCU. “It is comforting for us to know that our community members will not have to travel such long distances to access these vital services.” The credit union has a similar center in Kamuela.
