"Ceremony Marks Launch of Lending Hope Initiative... "
✅ The Warren Record: February 4, 2026 [link]
Warren County, North Carolina lies below the southern border of Virginia along the Roanoke River. In the 1840's Warren was the wealthiest county in North Carolina, not so much anymore. The Civil War, the advent of the railroads, Jim Crow, and the decline in tobacco and textiles all took their toll. The population is @ 20,000 and declining, median household income is $34,000. Warren County is wooded and rural, civility remains the norm, church-going expected. Folks, for the most part, are personable and caring, families are still tight. It's a nice place to live.
Lending Hope Initiative: "Our mission is to offer small, interest-free loans that assist applicants in managing rent, mortgage payments, utility bills, and deposits." To apply, you must live in Warren County, provide proof of income, and work with volunteers to prepare a budget. The applicant will sign a repayment agreement. "When the money comes back, we will lend to someone else in need."
✔ What a novel, innovative idea! Cooperative, community lending to a limited group, sharing a common bond, on a non-profit basis. "I hope a more sustainable model can get going..." [Any ideas?]
😎 As a credit union, you only become irrelevant, when you're no longer different - just another "industry standard" insignificance, just another unexceptional commodity. A masquerade...
The original purpose may have become lost, the need hasn't !
