Moving Forward Together

Hand Up Loan

Interest-Free Loans

Where most lenders focus on risk, we focus on what you’re trying to accomplish for your family and future.

Do you need financial help with business development, job training, or car repair? If you are a resident of San Diego, you may qualify for an interest-free loan. We are committed to providing interest-free education, small business, and car repair loans so our community can have a secure and financially independent future.

Take the Next Step

“While I was deployed, my wife’s car broke down. In San Diego, you need a car and she needed to repair it quickly to get to work and drive our kids to school. This loan was a lifesaver—we were able to fix the car without risking my wife’s job or disrupting our kid’s activities.”

Our Approach to Lending

We prioritize requests that signal a clear step toward long-term stability, and we work with applicants on budgeting and credit counseling to ensure they can stay on top of their repayment plan. Applicants agree to a maximum repayment term of 36 months and are encouraged to make monthly ACH (automatic electronic) payments.

We provide $1,000 – $2,500 loans for:

  • Education
  • Small Business
  • Car repairs/transportation

Eligibility & Requirements

  • Applicants must live in San Diego County.
  • Applicants must have a stable income and stable housing (approved applicants must supply proof of income and a mortgage statement or rental agreement).
  • Applicants must plan on using the loan for business development, education, job training, or car repair.
  • Loans are given up to $7,500. Applicants must obtain one co-signer with stable credit for loans up to $3,000 and two cosigners for loans greater than $3,000.
  • Applicants have up to 36 months to repay the loan by making monthly contributions.

“I am a professional truck driver. I moved to the USA two years ago and didn’t have enough credit to buy a truck on my own. But with help from JFS I could make a down payment, allowing me to start my own business and be an independent truck driver.”

– Loan Recipient

Additional Documentation Needed To Support Loan Request

  • Business Loans
    • Business plan showing how loan will be used to stabilize or increase income
    • Business budget, proof of income
  • Education Loans
    • Proof of enrollment in school or certificate program
    • Written statement on why this program would benefit you
    • Budget, proof of income
  • Car repairs/transportation
    • Invoice from mechanic
    • Written statement on how repairs will assist in stabilizing your situation
    • Budget, proof of income