Our Mission

The Hebrew Free Loan Association of Vancouver assists Jewish people of BC's Lower Mainland to meet a variety of personal and financial needs. Through interest-free loans, we offer people a helping hand, or a hand up, rather than a hand out.

About HFLA Hebrew Free Loan Association of Vancouver

The concept of Hebrew Free Loans has been a part of Jewish Vancouver since 1915. The present society was started in 1979 and since that time we have granted over 1,300 loans totalling more than $3.8 million with the vast majority having been repaid in full.

The organization operates with a volunteer working board. We share office space and have a part-time administrator and a part-time bookkeeper. HFLA has never been a beneficiary of Federation or the United Way - we have relieved these organizations of some financial burden by providing loans, many of which would otherwise have been welfare grants. Most importantly, we have allowed so many in our community to retain their dignity with a “hand up,” not a “hand-out,” in difficult circumstances.

With the ongoing support of our donors, we are be able to continue this great and ancient tradition of "gemilut chasidim" - deeds of loving kindness - far into the future.