U.S. Bank and Operation HOPE hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony at their newly renovated Crenshaw branch in Los Angeles. The event marked the official opening of the ‘HOPE Inside’ location, part of an ongoing partnership aimed at providing free financial coaching and empowering underserved communities.
The Crenshaw branch is the first U.S. Bank Black Heritage Community branch, with design upgrades that reflect the cultural heritage of the area. A HOPE Inside financial coach will be stationed at the branch to offer support to small businesses and entrepreneurs in the neighborhood, helping them start or expand their ventures.
"Improving the Crenshaw branch and adding the HOPE Inside space is about giving back and providing resources that honor the community," said Carl Jordan, U.S. Bank’s California regional leader for branch and small business banking. This initiative is part of U.S. Bank's Access Commitment program, which aims to reduce the wealth gap in underserved communities, particularly communities of color.
Operation HOPE’s mission, led by Founder and CEO John Hope Bryant, is to address economic disparities by providing financial education and resources to low- and moderate-income families. Through the HOPE Inside program, community members can receive free credit counseling, money management workshops, and personalized financial coaching.
U.S. Bank and Operation HOPE currently operate ten HOPE Inside locations across six states, and the Crenshaw branch marks an important expansion in California. This partnership reflects a broader commitment to fostering economic resilience and creating opportunities for all, especially in historically underserved areas like Crenshaw.