Standard Loans address the unexpected financial challenges that people who are unable to access traditional financing face. Many people do not have access to funds when financial challenges occur. These situations can include home and car repairs, high-interest debt, emergency funerals, falling behind on bills and more.
Education Loans address the gap that is often needed in order to pursue undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical schools. This burden often comes between the student attending or finishing their education. These loans are need-based.
Business Loans address small businesses and start-ups need for capital when traditional lenders are unwilling to take on the risk. HFLA’s 0% interest loans enable businesses to meet demand and grow their company. This is our fastest growing loan portfolio and currently represents 26% of HFLA’s loans.
1- Apply
Find the loan type best for you! Complete the application, turn in your documents and your guarantor’s application/documents.
2- Loan Review
HFLA staff will review each application and will contact you and/or your guarantors with any questions. If, based on your budget and supporting financial documents, the loan application looks viable, HFLA brings the applicant to loan committee, either in-person or virtually.
3- Funding
The applicant is notified—typically within one business day–whether or not the loan has been approved. Approved borrowers and guarantors will then agree to the repayment terms and receive their check(s) made out to their creditors/sources of need.
4- Make Payments
Borrowers begin making payments within 30 days and continuously for the duration of their loan. These loan
payments go back out to the community in the form of new loans to our next loan applicants!
5- Pay it Forward
Help HFLA continue to make interest-free loans! If you feel more financially secure at the end of your loan term, you can make a donation, serve as a guarantor for someone else, and/or tell others in need about our interest-free loans.
Effective Date: April 13, 2026
Organization Name: HFLA of Northeast Ohio
Website: https://interestfree.org/
Contact Email: carrie@hflaclev.org
Phone: 216-378-9042
Overview
HFLA of Northeast Ohio respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard information when communicating with clients via SMS text messaging.
We use SMS messaging strictly for one-to-one client communication and service-related interactions only.
We do not send marketing or promotional messages via SMS.
Information We Collect
When you communicate with us via SMS, we may collect:
• Your name
• Your phone number
• Message content you provide
• Communication history related to services
• Appointment or program-related details (if applicable)
Consent to Receive Messages
By providing your phone number and communicating with HFLA of Northeast Ohio, you
consent to receive SMS messages related to your services or inquiries.
Opt-Out Instructions
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS communications unless you initiate contact again.
Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.
Information Sharing
HFLA of Northeast Ohio does not sell, rent, or share personal information with third parties
for marketing purposes.
Data Security
We implement reasonable safeguards to protect personal information from unauthorized
access, disclosure, or misuse.
How We Use Your Information
We use SMS messaging to:
• Respond to client inquiries
• Coordinate appointments or application steps
• Provide updates related to services or programs
• Share reminders or follow-up information
• Communicate important account or application updates
For assistance, reply HELP or contact:
carrie@hflaclev.org
216-378-9042
Contact Information
HFLA of Northeast Ohio
carrie@hflaclev.org
216-378-9042
https://interestfree.org/
SMS Terms and Conditions
Effective Date: April 13, 2026
Organization Name: HFLA of Northeast Ohio
SMS Communication Purpose
By opting in to receive SMS messages from HFLA of Northeast Ohio, you agree to receive service-related messages including:
• Responses to inquiries
• Application updates
• Appointment coordination
• Program reminders
• Follow-up communications related to services
HFLA of Northeast Ohio does not send marketing or promotional SMS messages.
Message Frequency
Message frequency varies depending on your interaction with services and support needs.
Message and Data Rates
Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier.
Opt-Out Instruction
You may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
After opting out, SMS messages will stop unless communication is restarted by you.
Help Instructions
For assistance, reply HELP or contact:
carrie@hflaclev.org
216-378-9042
Privacy Policy Reference
Your information is handled according to our Privacy Policy: interestfree.org/privacy-policy
Consent
By providing your phone number and communicating with HFLA of Northeast Ohio, you consent to receive service-related SMS communications.