Developed and Launched by Chatham, March, 2012

The Vinnie’s Wallet program intends to assist those whom the SSVP serves with small loans to cover expenses such as utilities, rent, and appliances at a very low interest rate. A primary motivation is to provide a fair alternative to the exceedingly high interest rates charged by the short-term loan industry. Most of these institutions charge a usage fee of 15% or more that is due upon the repayment of a loan; for a two-week loan this translates to an annual interest rate of 390%. This can often lead to a spiraling level of debt creating a systemic disadvantage for those we serve to climb out of their poverty. Moreover, this loan entrusts a level of responsibility to our clients to which they are not often privy. As opposed to providing a gift not requiring reciprocity of the recipient, the Vinnie’s Wallet program expects responsibility from our client, albeit on very fair terms. Those that the Society serves are often not afforded this level of trust by the institutions they regularly encounter. This program therefore also has the opportunity to give greater dignity to our clients and expose them to the expectations and responsibilities that are often more readily expected from those not in poverty. Jane Knuth (author of the book “Thrift Store Saints - Meeting Jesus 25c at a Time”), while serving with the Society noted the surprise of clients when they were asked, “Is there anything else I can help you with?” as they were routinely not afforded the same standard of care provided to the non-poor. We can likely expect a similar level of surprise when we too find ways to expect the most from those we serve with something as sensitive as money.