What is SAFE?
Support for Afghan Financial Empowerment (SAFE) is an initiative launched by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and IRC's Center for Economic Opportunity (CEO) to empowerAfghan families as they begin their journeyto financial stabilityand economic securityin their new homesacross the U.S.
The three key components of SAFE are:
- In-language web portalthat serves as access to all SAFE services and is available to Afghan families no matter where they resettle in the U.S.and regardless of which resettlement agency provided initial resettlement services.
- In-language financial education and coachingservicesoffered through a network of SAFE financial coaches to help provide an understanding of American banking.
- Access to 0%Auto, Education, Immigration and Personal loans to eligible Afghan householdsevacuated and resettled through Operation Allies Welcome and the Afghan Placement and Assistance program
About the IRC
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people affected by humanitarian crises—including the climate crisis—to survive, recover and rebuild their lives. Founded at the call of Albert Einstein in 1933, the IRC is now at work in over 40 crisis-affected countries as well as communities throughout Europe and the Americas.We deliver a lasting impact by providing health care, helping children learn, and empowering individuals and communities to become self-reliant, always seeking to address the inequalities facing women and girls.
About the IRC's CEO
IRC’s CEO is a non-profit lender specializing in making small-dollar loans to refugees and immigrants. CEO is certified by the U.S. Treasury as a national Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and currently has operations in 14 states. CEO will manage the SAFE Fund from end-to-end –including underwriting, servicing, credit reporting and customer service. CEO does not charge any late fees and is flexible with modifying loans or deferring payments to help clients protect their credit and overcome financial turbulence.