Interview by Jonathan Kersting
The Equitable Development Award is given to those who prioritize equity, ensuring that everyone participates in and benefits from the region’s economic transformation — especially low-income residents, communities of color, immigrants and others at risk of being left behind. They intentionally focus on eliminating racial inequities and barriers and support investments that yield healthy, safe and opportunity-rich neighborhoods that reflect that community’s culture.
Since 1970, the Hill District Federal Credit Union has served those living in the Hill and beyond by providing financial services. When you join the Hill District Federal Credit Union, you become part of a member-owned organization built on the philosophy of people with a common bond, helping each other.
For the past 50 years, the Hill District Federal Credit Union (HDFCU) has been assisting those who live, work and worship in the Hill District to build credit and savings through innovative products and services, helping them to overcome financial barriers and meet life goals such as buying a house and going to college. Not just a financial institution, HDFCU is the only African American owned and operated financial institution in the tri-state area and provides access to credit-builder loans and emergency loans for nonprofit workers impacted by COVID-19. With the scourge of COVID-19, the massive unemployment levels, and the revelation of inequality in the African American community, HDFCU has remained a steadfast partner, stepping up their role and genuine partnership with Hill District residents to “find a way to make it out of no way”.
In the months of June and July, they opened 210 new accounts including 25 new Fund My Future accounts, their total assets have increased by more than 2 million dollars over the same period last year and they have been able to institute new services to help address their members’ economic downturn. Even more importantly, as a trusted advisor and friend, Richard Witherspoon provides community and care to several generations of Hill District residents.