SELF is expanding rapidly throughout the Southeastern United States
Atlanta, GA– November 19, 2021 – The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF), a nonprofit green bank that has been expanding rapidly across Florida over the last decade, is now offering Easy Loans for Improving Homes in Georgia, with a focus on underserved, underbanked, and energy-burdened communities. As a key part of this statewide expansion, SELF welcomes Kino Smith as the new Georgia Program Manager to help launch and grow existing and new lending programs, with a particular focus on the Cities of Atlanta and Savannah.
Kino Smith brings over 25 years in the banking and financial sectors and executive experience with CRA banking, construction, and non-profits. Kino has a passion for providing pathways to intergenerational wealth and mobility through socially responsible lending and related services. Kino has a long track record of leadership on local initiatives, and he is the past winner of the Detroit People’s Choice Award. Kino has a B.A. in Accounting from Grand Valley State University and an MBA in Business Administration from Georgia Institute of Technology.
With some of the highest energy burdens in the Southeastern United States, Atlanta and the state of Georgia present a unique opportunity for SELF to assist homeowners and renters with inclusive and affordable financing for much-needed home repairs and improvements, while also fostering local green businesses and jobs.
SELF’s Chief Strategic and Financial Officer, Duanne Andrade, who has spearheaded the Georgia expansion efforts, said, “We are very excited to have Mr. Kino Smith join the SELF team and add his extensive experience and local knowledge.”
For more information about SELF’s lending programs and services, please contact Kino Smith at (313) 828-9109 and visit www.solarenergyloanfund.org.
About the Solar Energy Loan Fund (SELF)
The Solar and Energy Loan Fund (SELF) is a 501.C (3) community lending organization that is also certified by the U.S. Treasury Department as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). SELF focuses on achieving social, environmental and economic benefits for low- and moderate-income homeowners and communities. They provide energy expertise and low-cost loans that help homeowners achieve energy efficiency, clean energy (solar PV), storm protection (i.e. roofs and impact windows), disability adaptations, water quality improvements, and more. SELF has also created special programs for veterans and military families, women heads of households, and people with disabilities. SELF headquarters are located in St. Lucie County, where the program began in 2010, and they have satellite offices in partnership with Hillsborough County, the City of St. Petersburg, and the City of Orlando. SELF is currently expanding in Miami Dade County/South Florida and Atlanta/Georgia.
SELF offers accessible and affordable microloans for assorted home repairs and improvements, including high-efficiency ACs, roof repairs and replacement, solar technologies, and much more. SELF approves loans based on an applicant’s ability to pay, rather than credit scores or equity. To date, SELF has helped more than 5,000 people finance $22 million of projects, with 74% of the projects in low- and moderate-income (LMI) communities. The small unsecured loans help homeowners lower their energy and insurance costs, build equity and generational wealth, and increase safety, health and resilience. By providing access to affordable and innovative financing, SELF is charting a path for all to achieve energy efficiency, clean energy, and resilience, while also fostering green jobs and businesses.
Media Contacts:
Ernest Calderon, Marketing Director, SELF, marketing@solarenergyloanfund.org
SELF website: www.solarenergyloanfund.org
HQ, Tel. # (772) 468-1818
Kino Smith Official Headshot Image
