The Hebrew Free Loan Society (HFLS), an organization that helps drivers of all religions and countries of origins, achieved the milestone of providing $2 million in zero-interest, no-fee loans to industry drivers between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Working closely with The New York Black Car Fund (BCF) and the Independent Drivers Guild (IDG), the HFLS helped 322 low- and moderate-income drivers across New York City, Westchester and Long Island cover expenses and bridge periods of unexpected income loss.
“Our organization was founded by immigrants, built on the idea of social responsibility,” explained Rayna Landa, Outreach Officer for the HFLS, which has been in existence since 1892. “More than half of our loans went to drivers from other countries this past year.”
HFLS’s General Needs Loan Program provides interest-free loans of up to $9,000. The loans require a guarantor, but Landa points out that they have a 99% repayment rate track record.
“We lend to borrowers regardless of their credit score,” she adds. “Instead, we look at our guarantor’s credit history. Currently, all loans have a one-month grace period before repayments begin.”
The HFLS does monthly informational sessions at the IDG’s headquarters and attends the BCF’s Resource Fairs to meet drivers looking for a little help in times of need. To learn more, contact Loan@HFLS. org to speak with a Loan Officer or visit https://hfls.org/.
Source: Hebrew Free Loan Society
