Portland, Ore., October 15, 2020 – Unitus Community Credit Union has introduced a new initiative to better serve and support the growing Hispanic and Latino communities.

Unitus’ initiative, established in 2019, focuses on internal and external business actions such as hiring more bilingual staff, introducing the Remitly service for members sending out-of-country money transfers, expanding and deepening partnerships with Hispanic and Latino nonprofits and organizations, and creating Hispanic-focused products, like the Immigration Loan.

Launched in October 2020 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Unitus’ Immigration Loan is a small dollar loan that helps members of the immigrant community attain work authorization and citizenship. The Immigration Loan sets the borrower up with a Unitus prime share account, which can be used for attorney fees and legal/filing expenses. When borrowers make six monthly payments on time, they receive a credit card offer with a minimum of $1,000.

Unitus is also an ITIN lending financial institution, with products like ITIN home mortgages available to immigrants and other members of the community currently ineligible to receive a social security number.

In addition to Hispanic-focused products and services, Unitus has also given over $7,500 to local nonprofits Latino Network, Milagro Theatre, and others in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Unitus’ donation will sponsor programs within Latino Network, Milagro Theatre, and others that help resolve food scarcity, housing, and school-based needs for Hispanic and Latino individuals and families as well as bring Hispanic and Latino-focused arts and culture education to local schools.

“We’re thrilled to deepen our commitment to the Hispanic and Latino communities,” said Steve Stapp, Unitus President/CEO. “By growing our community partnerships and strengthening our support of Hispanic and Latino owned businesses, we can better understand and serve the community’s needs.” 

“We’re grateful to Latino Network, Milagro Theatre, and all of the amazing organizations that work toward creating an inclusive, prosperous future for Hispanic and Latino Americans. We stand behind their work and can’t wait to contribute to their success.”

Unitus also gave away hundreds of dollars in gift cards from Hispanic and Latino-owned businesses as part of their #PDXUnites social media giveaway series during Hispanic Heritage Month. For your chance to win, follow @unitusccu on Facebook and Instagram.  

About Unitus Community Credit Union

Unitus Community Credit Union is passionate about helping people get smart about their money and take control of their future throughout Portland Metro, Salem, and the State of Washington. At Unitus, we’re dedicated to doing the right thing for our community with low rates on loans, high returns on savings, neighborhood branches, and partnerships with nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for all people in our communities. Visit unitusccu.com to learn more about our commitment to personally walking our members toward bigger and brighter personal bests.