The Community Empowerment Fund

www.communityempowermentfund.org

CEF is a student-run nonprofit organization serving Orange and Durham Counties fueld by UNC and Duke student energy. We provide savings opportunities, micro-loans, small business and financial education, and one-on-one support to individuals experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homelessness.

Founded in 2009, CEF was started to meet the dual need for small amounts of capacity-buliding capital and relational support in the homeless community. 

CEF believes in relationship-based microfinance. We pair two university student volunteers with each of our members, who work with members to achieve their goals. Volunteers are "Member Advocates," fighting alongside members for what they are fighting for. We empower our members to dream, opening new avenues of opportunity and investing in people and their potential.