Blog
Our Bronx Benefit Center is now a Financial Empowerment Center
March 5, 2020

CUCS is thrilled to share that our Bronx Benefit Center is now designated a Financial Empowerment Center as part of an expansion of this city-sanctioned program. The center will now offer free, one-on-one financial counseling with an Ariva specialist two days a week. CUCS and Ariva have been partners for years, and we are elated to continue our work together.

While the thought of pulling back the curtain on one’s finances may be intimidating for many people, this financial counseling aims for participants to leave feeling confident and in-control of their financial futures. In these sessions, counselors assess participants’ financial health and help develop a plan to reach their personal goals. This can include reducing debt, strengthening their credit score, balancing a budget, opening a bank account, handling collections agencies, and more. Counselors are also able to help navigate common financial hurdles for people with the experience of homelessness—for instance, establishing a credit history. The sessions are personalized and can make a difference for anyone, regardless of where they are in their financial journey.

Financial counseling is free, confidential, and open to anyone above the age of 18. There are no restrictions on income, immigration status, or employment. Participants can work with their counselor for as many sessions as needed, and the program encourages attending at least three sessions. It’s simple to make an appointment—simply book an appointment online, or call 311 and say “Financial Counseling.”

Financial empowerment is a key pillar of our mission at CUCS, and we are proud to be able to provide this service to our fellow New Yorkers.