The program, launched five years ago, helps communities through financial wellness and coaching
U.S. Bank and Operation HOPE in 2020 debuted HOPE Inside, a partnership aimed at helping participants reduce debt, increase savings and improve credit scores.
That first foray featured one coach focused on credit and money management at a branch in Aurora, Colorado. Five years later, the program has grown to 10 coaches located in branches across California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada and Wisconsin. Five coaches are bilingual, three are dedicated to small business and two are certified with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Not only has the program physically expanded, it’s also evolved. All coaches are now paired with U.S. Bank business access advisors and mortgage partners to leverage their combined expertise to support program participants on their financial journeys.
"We’re changing financial futures by restoring hope and making financial goals attainable for my clients and community,” said Chicago-based Operation HOPE Inside coach Felicia Adams.
Plans are also underway to expand access to existing U.S. Bank HOPE Inside coaches to additional branches this year to support more members of the communities served by U.S. Bank.
HOPE Inside is accessible to anyone in the community, not just U.S. Bank customers. In areas where coaches are located, individuals can be referred to a HOPE Inside coach by bankers. Coaches work with clients on a range of topics, including managing a budget, building savings, improving credit scores, preparing for home ownership and developing a small business.
“Our partnership with Operation HOPE and its coaches help guide business owners with genuine care, turning financial data into clear, confident steps that empower their everyday entrepreneurial dreams, which complements our commitment to power human potential,” said Will Jackson, a business access advisor in Oakland, California. “This is a well-rounded approach to providing access not just to capital but to information and connections needed to thrive.”
Since 2022, over 8,443 unique clients have been served. In addition to individualized coaching, HOPE Inside coaches have run nearly 2,015 workshops. These workshops range from a few hours to five weeks on topics such as credit and money management, first time homebuyer, and small business development, where participants can walk away with a full business plan.
The program can make a significant impact on participants’ financial health. On average, clients see a 38-point increase in their credit scores, with 50% experiencing an improvement. Additionally, there has been a median reduction of $2,023 in revolving debt, with 40% of clients successfully reducing their debt. Savings have also seen a boost, with a median increase of $750 and 71% of clients increasing their savings.
The program has also contributed to the creation of 83 small businesses and 49 facilitated mortgages, further empowering individuals to achieve financial stability, growth and generational wealth.
“I live less than a mile from the Slauson & Crenshaw Branch (in Los Angeles) where we house a dedicated Operation HOPE office. I have personally witnessed the incredible impact Operation HOPE has had in my community,” said Malgy Blue, branch and small business market leader for Los Angeles. “Their mission aligns perfectly with U.S. Bank’s commitment to financial health, creating a natural partnership that can expand opportunity and drive lasting impact. Together, we can help more people achieve financial confidence and a brighter future.”
For more about Operation HOPE Inside, watch the video above.
Disclosures
Equal Housing Lender