Grantee Spotlight
Housing and Economic Rights Advocates (HERA)
HERA is a legal services and advocacy organization dedicated to helping Californians build a safe, sound financial future, free of discrimination and economic abuse. HERA provides free legal advice, consumer workshops, and training for professionals, as well as community organizing support and policy advocacy. The Soda Foundation supports HERA's work in the East Bay to help low-income families address crushing debt from predatory student loans, auto loans, home mortgages, and credit cards. HERA uniquely combines direct legal services with financial coaching to help clients repair their credit, which may lead to more stable housing and employment opportunities. HERA's expert legal staff is adept at identifying emerging issues in predatory and discriminatory lending practices, and the organization has effectively moved forward on litigation and policy advocacy to address these issues on a systemic level.