Credit unions continue to lend a helping hand to underserved communities and middle class Georgians, says a new report by Georgia Credit Union Affiliates.

The 2013 Real Deal Outreach Report, released today, found that 61 percent of Georgia credit unions offer credit builder loans for people with little or no credit history. This important service allows underserved or unbanked consumers to establish credit as a financial asset without turning to title loans, payday lenders and pawn shops.

The report also showed credit unions remain welcoming to Georgians affected by the Great Recession. For example, 67 percent of Georgia credit unions offer second chance checking accounts for people who lost a checking account in the past due to outstanding overdrafts or debts. In addition, 59 percent of Georgia credit unions provide credit rebuilder loans for people looking to repair credit after past issues like bankruptcy and delinquent loan payments.

“As not-for-profit institutions, credit unions serve members of all economic backgrounds,” said Mike Mercer, president and CEO of GCUA. “By remaining focused on transparency and personal service, the state’s credit unions continue to add new members – including a 2.3 percent membership growth last year.”

According to the report, credit unions perform many of the same services as for profit financial institutions. Currently, 91 percent of Georgia credit unions surveyed offer check cashing, with most of the state’s credit unions offering free checking accounts to members. With these services, members avoid the high fees associated with other financial institutions and check cashing companies.

Other findings in the Real Deal Report:

• 83 percent of Georgia credit unions have bi-lingual and/or bi-cultural staff. (Underserved households are disproportionately represented among immigrant populations and in households where Spanish is the only language spoken.)

• 55 percent offer low-wealth first-time homebuyers programs for low- and moderate- income families who otherwise could find it difficult (or impossible) to own a home.

• 63 percent offer financial literacy education programs.

• 66 percent held an educational event in 2012. In fact, Georgia credit unions held a total of 565 of these events last year, educating members and potential members on such topics as how to rehabilitate their credit, utilize direct deposit or payroll deduction for payment and savings deposits, and avoid using a finance company.