Additional resources to help build your financial future.

    1. Mission Asset Fund: Lending Circles (San Francisco / statewide)

      • Zero-interest social loans ($300–$2,400) formed with a small group; monthly payments of about $50–$200 are reported to all three credit bureaus to build or repair credit. Includes free financial education.

    2. NNEDV Independence Program

      • Credit-building microloans for survivors of financial abuse, available nationwide. The First Step Loan is $100, interest- and fee-free, repaid at $10/month for 10 months, with every payment reported to the three credit bureaus. Graduates can access $500 and $1,000 Next Step loans. Requires having met with a domestic violence advocate.

    3. SF LGBT Center: Financial Counseling

      • Free, confidential one-on-one sessions with a certified financial counselor on building credit, managing debt, budgeting, banking, and savings. Open to anyone living, working, or receiving services in San Francisco. Free monthly money workshops, too.

    4. Free Credit Reports

      • Check your credit reports free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com (the only federally authorized site) and dispute errors directly with the bureaus. Secured credit cards and small “credit-builder” loans from local credit unions, becoming an authorized user on a trusted person’s card, and rent-reporting services are other low-risk ways to build history.

    1. Community credit unions & CDFIs

      • Nonprofit lenders like Self-Help Federal Credit Union (branches across California) offer fair-rate personal loans, fresh-start accounts, and secured cards designed for people rebuilding. Ask any credit union about “credit-builder” or “payday alternative” loans before turning to high-interest lenders.

    2. Point of Pride

      • National nonprofit providing direct financial aid for trans folks, including an annual surgery fund, HRT access fund, and electrolysis support. This is a grant-based option if transition costs are part of your financial picture.

    3. SF LGBT Center: Housing & Small Business Programs

      • Free first-time homebuyer education and counseling, below-market-rate rental workshops, and one-on-one small business coaching and entrepreneur training for LGBTQ+ community members.

  • Online

    • QueerCare Inc.⭐️(our partner!)

      • “QueerCare provides financial assistance for trans people undergoing surgery and free post-operative support for the LGBTQ community across the US. They also offer virtual support everywhere and in-person support in NYC, SF, and Chicago.

    South Bay & Peninsula

    1. Billy DeFrank LGBTQ+ Community Center (San Jose)

      • Peer support and discussion groups for LGBTQ+ adults, seniors, and youth, plus a resource library and community events. See the calendar for times.

    2. San Mateo County Pride Center (San Mateo)

      • Free peer support groups for LGBTQ+ adults and free individual case management for Peninsula residents. The staff can help you connect to housing, health, and financial services. Registration required for groups.

    3. CoastPride (Half Moon Bay)

      • Free support groups and community events for LGBTQ+ adults, youth, and families on the coastside.

    Wider Bay Area

    • SF LGBT Center (San Francisco)

      • 200+ monthly programs including Queer & Well community wellness events, employment services, youth drop-in space (ages 16–24), and social groups. This is  alongside the financial services listed above.

    • Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

      • Peer support groups, health services, and community programming for LGBTQ+ folks in the East Bay.  See the calendar for current groups.

    • Pacific Center for Human Growth (Berkeley)

      • Sliding-scale LGBTQ+ mental health clinic and free peer support groups. This is the East Bay’s oldest LGBTQ+ center.

    • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

      • Anyone in emotional distress or crisis

      • Call or text 988

        Hours: 24/7

    • National Domestic Violence Hotline

      • Anyone experiencing abuse, including financial abuse, by a partner or family member

      • Call 1-800-799-7233

        or text START to 88788, 24/7

    • LGBT National Hotline

      • LGBTQ+ peer support, all ages

      • Phone: 1-888-843-4564

        Mon–Fri 1:00–8:00 PM, Sat 9:00 AM–2:00 PM (Pacific)

    • The Trevor Project

      • LGBTQ+ youth & young adults, 24 and under

      • Call (866) 488-7386, or text START to 678-678, 24/7

    • Trans Lifeline

      • Trans peer support, by and for trans people

      • Phone: (877) 565-8860

        Mon–Fri, 10 AM–6 PM (Pacific)

    • 211 Bay Area

      • Free 24/7 help finding local health, housing, financial, and support services

      • Call or text 211

    • Know your rights