The ABI project integrates SHCS programs, leverages partnerships with financial allies in Silicon Valley, and works together with low-income families and community volunteers to build assets and pathways to economic self sufficiency.
Income Tax Assistance
Staff and volunteers are trained and certified to provide free income tax preparation services to qualifying low income community members whose annual income is less than $50,000. This program strives to ensure families and individuals receive all credits and deductions they are entitled to, in order to assure the maximum refund amount is achieved while avoiding hidden fees, all while providing a quality service at no-cost to the taxpayer. These services are provided with the direct support and partnership of the IRS and United Way Silicon Valley.
Appointment times are typically Tuesdays and Thursdays (4:00 pm-8:00 pm), and Saturdays (10:00 am-2:00 pm). Please bring the following items to your appointment:
- Photo ID
- Social security or ITIN card
- W2s, 1099s, 1098s and any other tax forms you receive
- Last year's tax return
To make an appointment or more information, contact: taxhelp@sacredheartcs.org or call 408.278.2160.
Financial Education Workshops
ABI offers monthly workshops in small group settings on banking, budgeting, credit building and credit management, and renter's rights. Our credit and renter's rights workshop is graciously facilitated by our community partners at MeriWest Credit Union and the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, respectively. ABI also offers the opportunity to host workshop sessions at external sites, at no additional cost to your non-profit organization. A monthly schedule of standing workshops is also available upon request.
For more information or to schedule a session for your organization, contact: workshops@sacredheartcs.org
Public Benefits
The new Public Benefits program at SHCS assists customers in obtaining additional income and work supports. Low income community members meet one-to-one with a case worker who screens and assesses eligibility for several public benefits as well as eligibility for other SHCS programs and services. Among those external programs included in our screening process are MediCal, Healthy Families, Food Stamps, CalWorks, and LIHEAP and Weatherization programs.
For more information, contact: benefits@sacredheartcs.org
Individual Development Accounts
IDA's offer an exciting new incentive for customer's interested in cultivating life-long savings habits through a generous match-based savings account. Participants engage in a combined 10-hour financial workshop series and continue their savings goals for up to 24 months. Upon graduation, participants have grown a savings account which provides a cushion against unforeseen emergency expenses. ABI offers these innovative accounts through a partnership with the Opportunity Fund.
For more information, contact: ida@sacredheartcs.org
