HARAHAN, La. (8/28/15)--A sister-affiliate of ASI FCU, Harahan, La., has been awarded $5,500 from the Enterprise Holdings Foundation for its  “Wheels to Work” program, which provides affordable transportation options to low-income individuals.

The credit union’s affiliate, A Shared Initiative Inc. (ASII), will use the grant for its “Wheels to Work” lending program. ASII, a nonprofit, provides financial education and special vehicle purchase options for low-income individuals in Southeast Louisiana who don’t have access to affordable transportation.

Ninety percent of Americans drive to work, and in New Orleans, public transportation is still limited. Not owning a reliable vehicle can mean fewer options for jobs, grocery shopping, childcare or healthcare, and keep a person stuck in poverty, said ASII and ASI FCU. People with poor credit often end up with no-warranty vehicles with high mileage and exorbitant interest rates on loans.

The “Wheels to Work” program helps individuals get on the road to financial independence by providing affordable transportation, promoting savings behavior, providing financial education and offering customized counseling to program participants to improve their credit.