Consumer Action collaborates with the San Francisco Public Library

Consumer Action Director of Outreach and Training Mikael Wagner and Associate Director of Outreach and Training Audrey Perrott participated in MoneyWi$e workshops organized by the Business Science & Technology Center of the San Francisco Public Library. The workshops are part of an effort by the San Francisco Public Library to keep its adult learning programs timely and responsive to the needs of the greater San Francisco Bay Area community. 30 participants in the afternoon workshops discussed rebuilding credit, successful homeownership, and tips for keeping your home out of foreclosure. During the workshops, emotions were high as people shared personal stories, including some whose credit was damaged under various circumstances or who faced foreclosure on their property. There was also a large contingency of participants dealing with landlord/tenant concerns. Wagner, who is also a volunteer with the San Francisco Rent Board, referred participants with questions about renter’s rights to Consumer Action’s free hotline and other resources on topics such as eviction. The library plans to host additional workshops in the evening to reach people who are traditionally underserved, many because of work schedules and other daytime commitments. During the interactive workshops designed to engage participants, Consumer Action staff went over both the Rebuilding Good Credit and Successful Homeownership modules from the MoneyWi$e series. The MoneyWi$e series was developed in partnership with Capital One Bank. Janet Tom of the San Francisco Public Library organized the workshops and was able to get major media networks to both support and promote the project. A long time community activist, Tom has collaborated with Consumer Action throughout its 38 year history.