ESOP, which stands for Empowering and Strengthening Ohio's People, is a nonprofit HUD-approved housing and financial counseling agency. Founded in 1993, ESOP was initially known as the East Side Organizing Project and focused on combating predatory lending in Cleveland neighborhoods through community activism. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive organization providing individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve financial wellness and housing stability.

ESOP offers a wide range of services to support its mission. These include counseling and coaching, financial education workshops, free tax preparation assistance, matched savings accounts, homebuyer education, post-purchase education, foreclosure prevention, and real estate programs for older adults. They also provide benefit check-ups, Medicare Part D assistance, 0% interest property tax loans, and 0% senior small-dollar loans.

With a commitment to empowering individuals in all stages of life, ESOP has helped over 65,000 homeowners in Ohio save their homes from foreclosure. In 2017, ESOP joined forces with Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging to strengthen their focus on supporting older adults' financial wellness and housing stability. ESOP envisions a community where everyone has economic opportunity, financial stability, and a safe place to live.

They are guided by core values that include developing economic opportunity for all, being visionary in addressing emerging issues, and investing in staff excellence. Their dedicated team of financial counselors, coaches, and trainers are available to assist individuals in achieving their financial and housing goals. Located at the headquarters of Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging in Cleveland, ESOP operates from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.

m. Explore ESOP's programs and services through their annual reports, testimonials from satisfied clients, and stay updated with their latest news and updates. Join ESOP in their mission to empower and strengthen individuals, ensuring financial wellness and housing stability for all