NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Neighborhood Economic Development Advocacy Project Associate Director Deyanira Del Rio explained that exploring anything new may be a scary proposition right now for some credit unions, but it's critical for others.

NEDAP has partnered with Lower Eastside Peoples' Federal Credit Union, where Del Rio serves on the board, specifically to expand the credit union's reach into the immigrant market. LESPFCU is also looking into business lending to reach this market.

Some credit unions have expressed concern about serving people without Social Security numbers. However, Del Rio explained that a credit union customer identification program only requires a name, birth date, address, and identification number, including an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number or a foreign government-issued ID.