CDCUs are the ultimate financial first responders and represent a lifeline for the communities they serve, particularly during economic downturns and in the aftermath of natural disasters. While expanding access to affordable and responsible financial products services that are critical to asset building is their primary role, members of CDCUs are facing many other challenges, such as access to health insurance or public benefits that go unclaimed because of lack of awareness or because of the complexity to navigate social services and programs.

For example, Latinos represent 20% of the US, yet they have a disproportionately low rate of health insurance coverage and because of this, they are also one of the ethnic groups least likely to access quality healthcare. Only half has private insurance while 75% of white Americans do. 36% is covered by Medicaid or public health insurance, and around 1 in 5 does not have any health insurance at all.

Because they’re so trusted and respected by their communities, CDCUs can play an effective role educating and disseminating information to their members and community residents at large. Learn more about the innovative work your peers are doing in collaboration with key partners.