ABOUT

Who We Are

The East Texas Council of Governments established the Community Loan Center (CLC) of East Texas in 2016 to offer low-interest, low-fee personal loans to employees of enrolled employers as an alternative to high-cost consumer and auto title loans.


Our mission is to encourage and assist very low, low, and moderate-income persons through credit solutions, loans, and financial counseling, as an alternative to payday loans in order to promote, develop and improve the economic conditions of people in the East Texas region. Partners and supporters of the Community Loan Center of East Texas include Regions Bank and Texas Community Capital.


ETCOG is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts, and special districts within a fourteen-county East Texas region. We serve as the bridge between federal, state, and local governments, helping cities and counties solve challenges and impact the future regionally.



Community Loan Center

Loan Features

Small Dollar Loans

Loans range from $400 - $1,000

Low Interest

Total interest costs are about $38 - $96 depending on the loan size

Low Fees

$20 loan administration fee

Low Risk

No direct cost or risk to participating employers

Easy Application

Employees apply online anytime with a fully automated system

Financial Counseling

Free financial counseling available to borrowers (not mandatory)

Employees must be 18 or older, working at a participating employer, have a checking account, driver's license or passport number, and social security number.




Licensing and Complaints

Operating as the Community Loan Center of East Texas, we are proud to provide this affordable, risk-free alternative to payday and car title loans. All earnings are reinvested into the program for expansion and lending capital. 


East Texas Council of Governments, operating as the Community Loan Center ("CLC") of East Texas, is licensed and examined under the laws of the State of Texas and by state law is subject to regulatory oversight by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner. 


Any consumer wishing to file a complaint against the East Texas Council of Governments, or the Community Loan Center of East Texas, should contact the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner through one of the means indicated below: 


In-Person or U.S. Mail:


2601 North Lamar Boulevard

Austin, Texas 78705

Telephone No.: (800)538-1579

E-mail: consumer.complaints@occc.texas.gov

Website: www.occc.texas.gov



Investing in the Community Loan Center

The Community Loan Center is seeking grants, loans, and investments. The CLC program puts grant money from foundations and corporate donors to work year after year, re-loaning the grant funds up to 8 times every 5 years. The CLC program delivers measurable positive outcomes demonstrating how the CLC helps borrowers improve their financial health.


Reduced interest rate loans make it possible to bring needed relief to local economies by supporting the CLC. Foundations involved in impact investing can provide Program Related Investments and Mission Related Investments to CLC local lenders. Bank loans for CLC capital provide an excellent way to fulfill bank Community Reinvestment Act obligations.


Social investors may invest in the Community Loan Center directly. By accepting a modest rate of return on investments, private companies, religious institutions, nonprofit organizations or individuals can make a difference in their communities by supporting the Community Loan Center.




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