Dec12_Pine Rivers NILS News
With Christmas coming up, NILS may be just the thing you need to afford that essential item you’ve been putting off buying for some time.
As someone who was eligible for NILS myself, I tried to make the most of my 15 year old top loader washing machine that stopped working on the hot cycle and got stuck before spin dry. I put up with the old thing barely working for 3 years. Buying a new one was impossible after moving into a new home. So one day I decided I’d procrastinated long enough and got a NILS loan to buy a brand new front loader that was more water and energy efficient. NILS worked for me….it can work for you too!
What is NILS?
A No Interest Loan for low income earners! You can get a loan up to $1200 for an essential household item or service such as a fridge, washing machine, computer, medical procedure or car repairs. We do not give loans for bills, debts, rent or regular household expenses (seek an Emergency Relief service if you need help with those!).
NILS Featured on A Current Affair!
Last week NILS was featured on Channel 9’s A Current Affair. Take a look at the link for the full story: http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8554047
Pine Rivers NILS
The Pine Rivers NILS scheme runs out of the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre and is manned by 6 local volunteers. We have a total of $120 000 in capital to lend. Loans are given, then paid back into the central pool where they are then loaned to other members of the community. This type of scheme is called “Circular Community Credit”. Those outside of the Pine Rivers area can contact St Vinnies NILS (Caboolture Area) on 3010 1096 or Regional Community Association NILS (Peninsula Area) on 3480 8700 or info@rcamb.com.au .
Why does NILS exist?
Studies conducted by the Centre for Social Impact reveals that 17.2% of Australians are financially excluded (no access to a bank account, basic insurance or a small amount of credit). Low income earners often fall into traps with Payday Lenders who charge high fees and interest rates as there are no other credit options. NILS offers a safe alternative for low income earners who need access to credit for something essential.
How is a NILS loan paid back?
A NILS loan can be paid back via Centrepay (deductions from Centrelink payments) or Direct Deposit. NILS applicants need to supply paperwork and attend an interview for financial education purposes and to make sure they have the capacity to pay back the loan. In order to avoid creating financial hardship, applicants who don’t have the capacity to pay back the loan are referred to emergency relief or financial counselling for assistance.
How does PRNC help low income earners?
The neighbourhood centre has been developing a range of partnerships to help low income earners. In particular:
NILS with Good Shepherd Microfinance.
Christians Against Poverty offering debt counselling in the area as well as the CAP Money course
Centrelink Outreach Worker operates every Monday at the centre
A Pine Rivers Care Network of local churches delivering emergency relief, community supermarkets, second hand goods and personal support
Assessment and Referral for financial help in our Intake and Response Department.
AddsUP Matched Savings Scheme for those who have paid off NILS loans
Case Workers in our Homestay Program for those struggling to maintain their tenancy.
Energy Saving Workshops such as Watts What.
Materials about making the most of a low income.
How do I get a loan pack?
Contact one of our NILS Volunteers on 3205 2955 or email nils@prnc.org.au to see if you are eligible.
What is NILS?
A No Interest Loan for low income earners! You can get a loan up to $1200 for an essential household item or service such as a fridge, washing machine, computer, medical procedure or car repairs. We do not give loans for bills, debts, rent or regular household expenses (seek an Emergency Relief service if you need help with those!).
NILS Featured on A Current Affair!
Last week NILS was featured on Channel 9’s A Current Affair. Take a look at the link for the full story: http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=8554047
Pine Rivers NILS
The Pine Rivers NILS scheme runs out of the Pine Rivers Neighbourhood Centre and is manned by 6 local volunteers. We have a total of $120 000 in capital to lend. Loans are given, then paid back into the central pool where they are then loaned to other members of the community. This type of scheme is called “Circular Community Credit”. Those outside of the Pine Rivers area can contact St Vinnies NILS (Caboolture Area) on 3010 1096 or Regional Community Association NILS (Peninsula Area) on 3480 8700 or info@rcamb.com.au .
Why does NILS exist?
Studies conducted by the Centre for Social Impact reveals that 17.2% of Australians are financially excluded (no access to a bank account, basic insurance or a small amount of credit). Low income earners often fall into traps with Payday Lenders who charge high fees and interest rates as there are no other credit options. NILS offers a safe alternative for low income earners who need access to credit for something essential.
How is a NILS loan paid back?
A NILS loan can be paid back via Centrepay (deductions from Centrelink payments) or Direct Deposit. NILS applicants need to supply paperwork and attend an interview for financial education purposes and to make sure they have the capacity to pay back the loan. In order to avoid creating financial hardship, applicants who don’t have the capacity to pay back the loan are referred to emergency relief or financial counselling for assistance.
How does PRNC help low income earners?
The neighbourhood centre has been developing a range of partnerships to help low income earners. In particular:
NILS with Good Shepherd Microfinance.
Christians Against Poverty offering debt counselling in the area as well as the CAP Money course
Centrelink Outreach Worker operates every Monday at the centre
A Pine Rivers Care Network of local churches delivering emergency relief, community supermarkets, second hand goods and personal support
Assessment and Referral for financial help in our Intake and Response Department.
AddsUP Matched Savings Scheme for those who have paid off NILS loans
Case Workers in our Homestay Program for those struggling to maintain their tenancy.
Energy Saving Workshops such as Watts What.
Materials about making the most of a low income.
How do I get a loan pack?
Contact one of our NILS Volunteers on 3205 2955 or email nils@prnc.org.au to see if you are eligible.
