Building Resilience and Opportunity in Washington's Jewish Community Since 1914
Rooted in Jewish tradition, HFLA provides interest-free loans that help Jewish Washington State residents navigate financial challenges, pursue education, stay connected to their Jewish community and build stronger futures.
OUR COMMUNITY'S NEED
16% of Jewish households report they are just managing to make ends meet, and one in ten could not cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency.
Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, 2026 Community Study
WHY HFLA?
Life brings important milesones and unexpected challenges that can strain even the most carefully planned finances.
Your graduate school tuition comes due. An aging parent needs addional care. A child starts college. You find the right starter home and need help with the downpayment. An unexpected medical bill or major car repair disrupts your budget. Sometimes families rely on credit cards to get through a difficult period — only to find that high interest deby becomes the next challenge.
That's where HFLA can help
How an HFLA interest free-loan can help
Education & Training
College, graduate school,
vocational programs, certifications, and other post-secondary education costs.
Family & Caregiving
Family building, childcare, elder care, Jewish community participation, funerals, and other significant family expenses.
Medical & Dental Expenses
Medical care, dental treatment, health insurance premiums, and other healthcare expenses.
Housing, Transportation & Essential Living Expenses
Rent, moving expenses, home repairs, vehicle repairs, utilities, and other essential needs
Debt Consolidation & High-Interest Debt Relief
Replace high-interest debt with an interest-free loan that can make repayment more manageable.
Getting Started
1
Complete a short prequalification form.
2
Complete your loan application and submit the required documentation.
3
Meet with our loan administrator for an eligibility review.
4
If invited, meet confidentially with members of our volunteer Loan Committee.
5
If approved, sign your loan documents electronically and receive your funds.
RECENT IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Helping Washington's Jewish Community
Since 2020, HFLA has provided 267 interest-free loans totaling over $1.2 million.
267
INTEREST-FREE LOANS
$1.2M+
TOTAL LOANED
181
GENERAL LOANS ($633,640)
86
STUDENT LOANS ($606,500)
Stories Behind the Numbers
GENERAL LOAN
While my husband underwent cancer treatment, an HFLA interest-free loan helped us cover essential expenses and stabilize our finances. We were met with compassion and respect during one of the most difficult times in our lives. We are profoundly grateful for the support of our Jewish community.
— General Loan Borrower
STUDENT LOAN
I am incredibly grateful for this loan. I come from a low-income, first-generation family, so earning a college degree is very important to me. This loan is helping cover expenses that I could not afford on my own, allowing me to continue my education without placing an overwhelming financial burden on my family. By investing in my education today, I will be better prepared for future career opportunities.
— Student Borrower
STUDENT LOAN
Becoming a U.S. citizen was an important milestone for my family, but the costs left us relying on high-interest credit cards. HFLA gave me the opportunity to consolidate that debt, regain financial stability, and focus on building a better future for my family.
— General Loan Borrower
Watch Our Story
Hear from a current borrower, a former borrower who now serves on our Board, and our Executive Director as they share how HFLA's interest-free loans help members of Washington's Jewish community overcome financial challenges with dignity and create opportunities for the future.
A Cycle of Opportunity
Every interest-free loan begins with the generosity of donors and continues through the commitment of borrowers who repay their loans. Together, donors and borrowers create a lasting cycle of opportunity that strengthens Washington's Jewish community for generations.