Free Loan strives to be 'user friendly'
BARRY COHEN
Editor
Every Sunday, representatives of the Greater Phoenix Jewish Free Loan Association open their office doors at 400 W. Camelback Road to meet with applicants.
Sometimes no one arrives.
Board members recognize that for many in the Valley, traveling to Central Phoenix can be impractical, if not impossible.
There are people in the Northeast Valley, the East Valley and Sun City who need loans, says Harry Adler, JFLA board member. But they struggle to make it to the office on Sundays to fill out an application.
A possible solution is to set up JFLA satellite locations throughout the Valley, as well as to use the Internet to allow people to place applications online.
"We recognize the need to follow the Jewish community wherever it goes," says Selma Fiel, JFLA executive director.
A challenge is keeping expenses to a minimum by finding available office space on Sundays that is rent-free, she adds. Another difficulty is having enough people at different locations to conduct the interviews.
"This process is still being worked out," says Adler. Applications made at satellite locations will still receive final approval from the Camelback Road office. JFLA will not be closing its Central Phoenix location, he adds.
A way for applications to be filed from any location throughout Arizona is by using the Internet, says Al Honig, JFLA president. "The goal is to use the Web to do everything but get approval and a check," he explains. "We're trying to be as user friendly as possible."
|