Cleartech Group, an IT solutions business in Leominster, was named the Small Business Administration's Minority Owned Small Business of the Year for the state of Massachusetts. Tony Fields, a veteran who opened Cleartech in 2017, says his business received the award because of his growth, customer service and dedication to community service. 

Americans are facing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19. Even with some HUD-approved housing counseling agencies shuttered or operating at reduced capacity, counselors can still help clients stabilize their housing. Telephone and virtual counseling can be added to the agencies' service delivery model.

During this time of crisis, remote counseling supports social distancing practices. The physically impaired, immuno-suppressed, seniors, and those who either prefer not to or cannot commute have much to gain.

A good budget can help when the unexpected occurs. But when you suddenly lose income, as many families have in recent months, a budget becomes even more important.

"Budgets change all the time," says Molly Barackman-Eder, senior manager in financial capability at NeighborWorks America. "If you've had a change in income, this is a good time to think about a budget as an organizing tool."

NeighborWorks network organizations say they are continuing to hear from residents interested in doing the financial education and credit repair that will help them on a path to buying new homes. But even before March turned to April, housing counselors say they were also receiving calls from residents who were worried about what was going to happen if. If they lost jobs. If they couldn't pay their rent or their mortgage as the COVID-19 virus forced businesses to shut down or scale back.

David Snyder was sitting at his desk at New Directions Housing Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky, when a series of texts from New Directions staff flashed across his phone. As he read through, the chief development officer discovered that a COVID-19 testing site had just been set up across the street from the housing corporation.  

Some tax preparers call it "the big money moment." They're talking about the time of year when consumers receive their tax refunds. The lump sum, especially if the individual qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), is often the largest payment they'll get all year long, says Molly Barackman-Eder, senior manager for financial capability at NeighborWorks America.

Having poor credit or no credit history at all can have ripple effects for a person who is already in a precarious financial situation. A person's credit history tells a story to lenders, landlords, and service providers; therefore, a poor credit history can make it difficult to find affordable housing, buy a home, or even procure common goods and services such as a cellphone, furniture, or car insurance.