Fresno Famous

Until yesterday, the pervasive presence of pay day lenders in West Fresno remained unchallenged. Residents of low-income areas all over the nation are targeted by institutions, that in exchange for exorbitant interest rates, (400%+ per year) offer services that residents desperately need. Thanks to the work of Fresno West Coalition, (FWCED) AmeriCorps *VISTA and Fresno County Federal Credit Union, (FCFCU) a new association for West Fresno and Empowerment Zone residents will allow residents to access many of the services they were geographically alienated from.

Calling this the beginning of postiive change, excited representatives of FWCED and FCFCU, spoke to residents and media at a press conference yesterday. Emphatic nods in the crowd suggested agreement with the organizations' assertions regarding the impact an ATM could have on a community. In a community where asset building, homeownership and entrepreneurism are essential to economic sustainability, the credit union's willingness to open their doors to West Fresno should be the example by which all businesses strive.