FAQs:
What is the Shalom Bayit Fund?
- Shalom Bayit provides interest-free loans to Jewish survivors of domestic abuse in the Greater Philadelphia area. Loan funds may be used legal costs, housing and moving expenses, debt consolidation, child care, or any other expenses that are approved among our Personal Loan Programs.
- All clients who indicate domestic abuse on their inquiry form or come as a domestic abuse referral from another organization will be assigned to work with a volunteer board member who has been trained by our partners at Dinah to provide support to survivors. We will also be especially careful with your personal information.
- Shalom Bayit applicants must do a screening call with Dinah either before or during the application process. Call Dinah’s 24/7 intake line at 215-645-2142 or fill out their online contact form.
Who operates and funds Shalom Bayit?
- Shalom Bayit is a operated as a partnership between HFL and Dinah, which offers domestic abuse case management and legal services.
- It is generously funded through a grant from Women of Vision.
- If you would like to contribute to the Shalom Bayit fund, please contact our Executive Director, Anna Marx.
Why do you ask for a guarantor on loan applications?
- Guarantors are an important part of the interest-free loan process. They help ensure repayment so that funds will be available for future borrowers. They also help borrowers qualify for loans who might not otherwise be able to due to low income, poor credit, or other barriers.
- While most of our personal loans require a guarantor, domestic violence survivors may apply on their own if needed. Please note that your application will be much stronger with a guarantor and more likely to be approved. If you have questions about this, you can email info@hflphilly.org.
Will my information and identity be safe?
- We are careful with all of our borrowers’ data, but are especially careful with our Shalom Bayit borrowers. Your name and contact information will be shared with a single volunteer board member and our staff members. If you need additional privacy, please reach out directly to our Executive Director, Anna Marx.
Are there other services in the Jewish community for survivors?
- Yes! There are many services in our Jewish community for survivors of domestic abuse. We recommend that you start with these organizations:
- Eastern Pennsylvania residents: Contact our partners at Dinah.
- Southern New Jersey Residents: Contact Project Sarah at Jewish Family and Children’s Service.
How do I apply?
- Click here to start the application process. Please indicate that you are interested in the Shalom Bayit program in the notes. A trained representative from HFL will get in touch with you to explain the next steps.