Community Initiative

We’re in the people business.

Everything we do here at Southwest Louisiana Credit Union revolves around community… because we ARE the community!

Our mission is financial empowerment for ALL, and one of the ways we work toward that mission is through our Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) designation.

So, what exactly is ‘CDFI’?

CDFIs are mission-driven banking institutions that have a goal of expanding economic opportunity in low-income communities by providing products and services to local residents and businesses.

The CDFI designation allows us to be eligible for grants, resources and programs that invest public and private capital into communities that lack access to financing.

What we offer as a CDFI:

tuition loans

SWLACU offers a fixed-rate tuition loan program for specialty training programs and certifications. The loan offers three deferment options and provides supplemental assistance that addresses common barriers to continued or furthered education—such as a reduced auto payment loan, vouchers for daycare or housing, and debt consolidation.

affordable housing

We work with local community partners and city and parish government to identify, counsel and develop potential low-income households for homeownership financing. Pre- and post-homeownership education classes prevent gentrification and displacement of the low-income consumers in need of SWLACU inclusive housing products.

financial empowerment CENTER

This initiative, a partnership with SWLA Center for Health Services, addresses barriers the North Lake Charles community faces as a “financial desert”, such as lack of access to healthcare, food, banking and transportation. By placing a branch within the SWLA Center for Health Services facility, we are able to offer the North Lake Charles community financial counseling and education tools to help overcome any obstacles they may face. Visit our newest branch today at 2000 Opelousas Street!