Helping Our Neighbors Move Toward Financial Stability
Responding to Growing Community Needs
During the third quarter of 2026, 52 people contacted the MICAH Program seeking assistance. Unfortunately, most were looking for emergency financial aid rather than a loan, with rent and utility payments being the most common needs.
While MICAH does not provide direct financial assistance for rent or utility bills, we strive to connect people with organizations that may be able to help. We refer individuals to local charities offering this type of assistance and encourage them to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 for additional community resources.
We have also updated our website to better explain MICAH’s services and eligibility requirements. Our goal is to help people understand the difference between emergency financial assistance and the low-cost loans we offer, so they can more easily determine whether our program is right for them.
Matched Savings Program Launching in November
In November, MICAH will launch its Matched Savings Program for MICAH Neighbors. This initiative is designed to help participants build a stronger financial future through practical financial education, consistent saving, and healthy financial habits.
As we refined the program design, we adjusted the maximum matching contribution from $600 to $300. The program will continue to emphasize the importance of saving regularly, managing money responsibly, and building the skills needed to achieve greater financial stability.
We look forward to seeing how this program helps our Neighbors strengthen their financial foundations and work toward their personal goals.
Looking Ahead: Exploring Affordable, Reliable Transportation
Reliable transportation can make the difference between keeping a job and losing one. MICAH has seen an increase in requests for loans to purchase affordable vehicles, typically priced between $2,000 and $3,000, that would enable people to get to work.
Finding dependable transportation at this price point is a significant challenge. Many vehicles in this range are more than 10 years old and have 150,000 miles or more. Their age and mileage can bring costly mechanical and electrical problems, making it difficult to find a vehicle that is both safe and dependable.
MICAH is working with other organizations to explore whether affordable vehicles can be identified, repaired as necessary, and made safe and reliable while remaining within this limited budget. Although there is no easy solution, we are committed to working with community partners to determine whether a sustainable program is possible.
We believe this effort is worth pursuing because reliable transportation leads to reliable employment, and reliable employment helps make stable housing possible. When people cannot get to work because they lack dependable transportation, they risk losing not only their jobs but also the financial stability that helps keep them housed.
Welcoming a New Board Member: Ed Veno
We are pleased to welcome Ed Veno to the MICAH Program Board of Directors.
Ed recently retired from Ford Motor Credit Company, and he and his family have called Greenville home since 2011. He brings valuable financial and business experience to our organization, along with a genuine commitment to helping others.
In addition to joining our Board, Ed is an enthusiastic Mentor to MICAH Neighbors. We are grateful for his willingness to share his experience, contribute his time, and support our mission.
Working Together Toward Financial Stability
The MICAH Program remains committed to helping our neighbors pursue greater financial stability with dignity and respect. Through low-cost loans, mentorship, financial education, and partnerships with other community organizations, we seek to help people overcome financial challenges and move toward a more secure future.
Thank you to our volunteers, mentors, donors, and community partners who make this work possible. Your support helps MICAH offer more than financial resources—it helps create opportunities for our neighbors to build stronger financial futures.
