News Summary
Orange County has introduced a new program offering free financial counseling in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. Designed for county residents and workers, it aims to enhance financial literacy through personalized support in budgeting, debt management, and savings. Services are available at multiple locations and online, with a focus on improving economic stability in the community. This initiative reflects a response to increased financial strain among residents, especially post-pandemic, and is partly funded by a $300,000 grant.
Orange County has launched a new initiative to provide free financial counseling in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Orlando and Osceola County. This program is designed for anyone who lives or works within Orange County, offering essential support to help individuals manage their finances more effectively.
The Orange County Financial Empowerment Center is the hub for these services, which include assistance in creating budgets, setting savings goals, improving credit scores, and reducing debt. Individuals can access financial counseling at five different locations throughout Orange County, or they can opt for virtual appointments, which are also available in Spanish to cater to the diverse community.
This initiative has been made possible by a $300,000 grant received from the Cities For Financial Empowerment Fund. It marks an important milestone, as Orange County is the first local government in Florida to establish financial empowerment centers. This program aims to tackle the pressing issues associated with financial education that are critical for enhancing economic independence and stability among residents.
Appointments for counseling sessions can be easily scheduled by calling 407-648-4567 or visiting the website of Habitat for Humanity Orlando. The counseling is set to occur at various centers, including the Pine Hills Community Center, John Bridges Community Center, and Hal P. Marston Community Center, with additional locations expected to be established by 2025.
Community responses highlight a growing need for financial counseling, especially since the pandemic, which has escalated financial insecurity for many families. A recent survey indicated that 49% of adults experienced financial strain due to inflation in 2024, underlining the urgent necessity of financial guidance.
Individuals participating in the program, such as community service worker Shataka Smith, are already seeing the benefits. Smith, who has a goal of becoming a homeowner within two years, has learned important budgeting skills and strategies to reduce luxury expenditures during her counseling sessions. Financial counselors will tailor their advice based on each participant’s specific needs, focusing on priorities like savings, debt management, and credit building.
Officials from Orange County have emphasized that addressing financial stability is crucial, especially in light of the ongoing housing crisis in Central Florida. They believe that improving financial literacy and providing resources is a fundamental step toward enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.
The program is supported not only by the aforementioned $300,000 grant but also through an additional $150,000 grant as part of the partnership with Habitat for Humanity. This funding will help expand the range of services that can be offered to residents in need of financial support.
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with a broader effort to promote financial literacy across different age groups, including offerings for children at local libraries. By fostering financial education from a young age, the program aims to instill lifelong skills that can help individuals navigate their financial futures with confidence.
As the demand for financial support continues to rise, the free financial counseling program in Orange County represents a vital resource designed to empower residents toward achieving economic stability and greater financial wellness.
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Additional Resources
- WFTV: Orange County Offering Financial Counseling to Residents
- ClickOrlando: Teaching Kids About Money
- MyNews13: Partnership Allows Residents to Learn About Money
- Daily Tar Heel: City OC BOCC Meeting
- WESH: Financial Empowerment Center Orange County
- Wikipedia: Financial Literacy
- Google Search: Financial Counseling Resources
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Finance
