The City of Brownsville announced the launch of a free financial navigators program to help residents navigate financial issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program is in partnership with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund) and in collaboration with CDCB I Come Dream. Come Build., and it’s available remotely to provide guidance over the phone to help residents access available programs and services to manage income disruptions and other financial concerns, a press release reads.
“Financial Navigators help residents one-on-one to triage personal financial issues, identify immediate action steps to manage expenses and maximize income, and make referrals to other services,” the press release reads.
Mayor Trey Mendez said in the press release this program will provide financial education to help ease the uncertainty during this time.
“It means that during a time of potential financial uncertainty for families in our community, the city in partnership with CDCB, has found a program that can provide financial education to help ease that uncertainty,” he said.
“Having the Financial Navigator’s program in our community will help provide support to residents through referrals to service and help residents identify immediate financial action steps. I believe the CFE Fund’s support will be another step in making a more financially educated community. It’s a strong investment in the people and the financial future of Brownsville.”
The CFE Fund provided grant funding along with significant technical assistance and training to launch the program in Brownsville and other cities and counties across the nation. The Financial Navigators initiative is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Citi Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., and the Wells Fargo Foundation, the press release reads.
“Financial distress is a primary part of the COVID-19 crisis, and we’re pleased Mayor Mendez and his team is making this a priority for Brownsville residents,” said Jonathan Mintz, president and CEO of the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund. “The Financial Navigators program will help Brownsville residents assess and prioritize their financial concerns and get connected with the right resources.”
Residents can access these remote services by completing the web form https://finnav.org/cob or calling (956) 546-HELP to sign up. The financial navigator will then send a short service agreement and call the client to begin their personal session. Organizations across Brownsville can also refer clients directly to a financial navigator.
