During the 2022 Tax Filing Season, almost 11,000 people had their tax returns filed by our hardworking team of certified IRS tax preparers. That includes 17,582 hours donated by 315 Prosper Tax Help volunteers. We recovered more than $24 million in refunds for our Central Texas neighbors, most of whom are making low-to-moderate incomes. Most […]
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Jewel Arrington Shines in the Financial Wellness Spotlight for July
This month we would like to honor and celebrate our most seasoned volunteer Financial Coach, Jewel Arrington! Jewel has been a Financial Coach with the Financial Wellness program for 14 years. She brings incredible expertise, empathy, creativity and dedication to her role as a financial coach. Jewel is also currently the Chair of Foundation Communities’ […]
Foundation Communities Awarded $6 million in Federal Funding for New Affordable Housing
Foundation Communities has taken another big step toward reaching our current goal for expanding affordable housing in Austin. This week, we were awarded $6 million from the Capital Magnet Fund administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund). Foundation Communities is one of 59 organizations nationwide that will receive a […]
Payday loans: How they work, knowing your rights, and knowing the alternatives
What is a payday loan? * A short-term, high-cost loan usually available at a storefront or online * Average payday loan interest rate in Texas is 660% (Texas does not cap interest or fees) * To repay the loan: write a post-dated check for the full balance or provide the lender with ACH authorization (authorization […]
Medical Bill Debt and Collections
Medical bills can be confusing and overwhelming and often come at a time when you’re already in distress. If this sounds like you or a loved one, below is information that can help currently and in the future. Know Your Rights and Protections No Surprises Act o You should not receive unexpected bills for emergency […]
A Mother’s Perseverance Pays Off through Laurel Creek
At the March 30th ribbon cutting ceremony for Laurel Creek Apartments, a resident opened her speech with these powerful words: “My name is Evelyn Chase…and I am not a victim. I am a survivor.” Evelyn is not shy about detailing the abuse she has endured. It caused her to run away from home as a […]
Debt Collection Rule Changes You Should Know
On November 30, 2021, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s new Debt Collection Rule became effective. Here are key points to know about the new rule: What is a debt collection validation notice? When a debt collector first communicates with you, they are required to provide certain information about the debt. This is called a validation […]
¡5 Razones por las cuales deberías presentar tus impuestos con Ayuda de Impuestos Austin!
No te preocupes esta temporada de impuestos. ¡Foundation Communities puede ayudarte a maximizar tu reembolso de forma gratuita! ¿Por qué deberías presentar con Foundation Communities este año? Aquí hay cinco razones por cual deberías usar nuestra asistencia gratuita para la presentación de impuestos en el 2022. Es gratis y los preparadores de pago son caros. […]
Five Reasons to File Your Taxes with Prosper Tax Help!
Don’t stress this tax season. Foundation Communities can help you maximize your refund free of charge! Why should you file with Foundation Communities this year? Here are the top five reasons to use our free tax filing assistance. 1. It’s free! The average cost of professional tax preparation ranges from $159 to $273. This is […]
Retiree “Neighbors Up” with Health Food Pantries
Mary Sapp could be spending lots of time visiting loved ones, doing hobbies or just relaxing. But, that’s not who she is. The retired advocate for the aging volunteers with Foundation Communities support services programs. Ten years ago, Mary started with Financial Coaching. She later began working with students in the ESL program. Now, at […]
