We help people reach their financial goals
Peoples Advantage Helping Hands strengthens and rebuilds our communities by empowering people to achieve their financial dreams.
We understand the Challenges our neighbors Face
Our team understands what it’s like when rent goes up faster than paychecks, when one unexpected bill throws off your whole budget, or when you have a great business idea but don’t know where to start. That’s why we created workshops that actually work for real families dealing with real challenges in our community.
Our Programs Provide Free housing help, Financial Coaching, and Business Support
From one-on-one budget coaching to emergency rent assistance, our programs address the real financial challenges families face. We’ve helped 119 people improve their credit scores, supported 282 workshop participants, and coached 21 families toward homeownership—all at no cost.
board members
Members of our board
Amanda Habansky — PAHH Board Chairperson and current CEO of Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
Paul Annunziata — PAHH Board Treasurer and retired CFO from Chartway FCU
Michael Koch — Board Member of PAFCU and Marketing Technology DB Administrator at Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Katrina Hayes-Peerman — Chief Executive Officer (CEO) VSU Federal Credit Union
Harrison Roday — PAHH Board Member and Founder of Bridging VA
Kevin Bender — PAHH Board Member and Attorney at Williams Mullen
George Piazza — PAHH Board Member and Deputy Officer of LISC VA
Sherrilyn Hicks — PAHH Board Member and Program Coordinator with City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building
Valerie Liggins — PAHH Board Member and Vice President of Programs at The Cameron Foundation
Patsy Smith — PAHH Board Member and retired CEO of Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union
Ben F. Teresa — Virginia Commonwealth University Associate Professor, Director of RVA Eviction Lab and Program Assistant Chairman of Urban and Regional Studies/Planning
Our Core Values
Our values guide the way we approach out
Foster Stability
Show Up
Listen and Learn
Commit to Excellence
Have Empathy
how we help
Building Stronger Communities Through Money Help
Challenges our clients face
Local families struggle with housing, money troubles, and starting businesses. These challenges keep our communities from growing and doing well.
Housing Problems
Not enough affordable homes and too many evictions leave families without stable places to live.
Money Troubles
Jobs that don’t pay enough and not knowing how to manage money create debt and make it hard to save.
Business Roadblocks
People who want to start businesses can’t get loans, coaching, or help they need to succeed.
How we help
Our programs give direct help, teach money skills, and connect people to resources that solve real problems in our community.
Housing Support
Emergency money help and low-cost loans stop evictions and help families find safe, affordable homes.
Money Coaching & Classes
One-on-one coaching and workshops teach budgeting, credit repair, and smart money habits that last.
Business Help
Free coaching and connections help people get loans, write business plans, and start successful businesses.
21
families receiving free, personalized guidance to buy their first home—right now
282
people attended our free financial education workshops last year
15
aspiring entrepreneurs enrolled in small business coaching with local experts right now
Our workshops are helping people thrive.
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Preventing foreclosureWithout your help I would have faced foreclosure of my home that is almost paid in full. The $2100 put me back on track with my finances. I really would like to thank all of you for what you have done for me.”Housing Stability Participant -
Keeping a family in their homeI want to say Thank You to you and Peoples Advantage Helping Hands program for everything you’ve done to assist me and my family. We were out of options and thanks to you we are able to keep our home!”Housing Stability Participant
Ready to Take Control of Your financial future?
Get free 1-on-1 coaching to build your budget, improve your credit, and reach your financial goals. All our services are completely free for Tri-Cities area families.
We help our community members thrive.
Peoples Advantage Helping Hands empowers people to achieve their financial dreams through personalized coaching and community services.
What is Peoples Advantage Helping Hands, and how can it help me?
Learn about our financial empowerment programs, including financial coaching, housing stability support, and small business resources designed to help you reach your goals.
Am I eligible for housing stability support or financial coaching?
Our programs are free and open to individuals and families in the Tri-Cities and Richmond area communities.
How can I support Peoples Advantage Helping Hands?
You can get involved by donating, volunteering, or partnering with us. Visit our Support Us page to learn how you can help strengthen financial stability in our community.
