How the Financial Trustee Program is Changing Lives
When clients volunteer to enroll in the Financial Trustee Program, they authorize EHM to receive and manage their income on their behalf. Clients are active participants in planning and decision-making and can leave the program at any time. The purpose of the program is to protect clients from common money issues and to teach them how to achieve successful financial independence.
When living on a fixed income, tenants sometimes find themselves unable to pay rent consistently which puts them at risk of eviction. Sometimes they run out of money half way through the month then struggle to have enough food. Other clients are in debt to utility companies or other financial organizations with their debt load growing month after month. Many of our seniors are susceptible to scams or “friends” asking for money.
As part of the Financial Trustee program, EHM’s trustee workers meet with help community members weekly to create a financial plan, build a budget, apply for financial assistance programs, and achieve personal goals. This also provides an opportunity to do wellness checks and connect clients with other support resources if needed. Through the program, clients gain an improved understanding of budgeting and financial management and experience a better quality of life and self-esteem.