Access to Transportation

The Michael J. George Chaldean Loan Fund is designed to provide low interest loans (up to $12,000) to help New Americans purchase a vehicle or start a small business. To qualify, loan candidates must:

• Be a refugee, asylee, or lawful permanent residents residing in the U.S. (Michigan).
• Have a job
• Be current on their refugee travel loan (if applicable)
• Have a co-signer

In order to qualify for the fund’s small business loans, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a refugee, asylee, or lawful permanent resident residing in Michigan.
• Have a job.
• Have a co-borrower.
• Provide a detailed business plan.

Candidates meet with a Chaldean Community Foundation case worker, who explains the credit process and the importance of a personal credit score in the United States. Loans are subject to approval by the Michael J. George Chaldean Loan Fund Committee.