Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program

Funded by the Department of State and administered by the Bureau of Population, Refugees and migration (PRM).

The Refugee Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program at the Ethiopian Community Development Council, Inc. (ECDC) Houston Multicultural Center (HMC) is designed to empower eligible Afghan families in the Greater Houston Area on their journey toward financial stability.

Through the development of healthy savings practices and engagement with mainstream financial institutions, participants can access funds for essential needs such as vehicle purchases, short-term education or vocational training, and rental and utility assistance. This program features a 1:1 matched savings component, allowing families to double their savings toward these goals.

Rental assistance provided through the IDA Program is designed to empower eligible individuals on the path to self-sufficiency. This support is not just about helping with immediate housing costs; it’s an investment in our clients’ future.

By providing rental assistance and participating in financial literacy classes, ECDC HMC aims to ease individuals’ financial burdens, allowing them to save money and allocate resources toward personal and professional goals. Through personalized training in budgeting and savings, families learn to manage their finances effectively, promoting financial literacy and encouraging long-term economic success.