Hebrew Free Loan's Strategic Vision Turns Crisis into Lifeline for Greater Washington Jews

Over the past two years, Hebrew Free Loan of Association of Greater Washington (HFL) has seen sharp growth both in funds available to lend and in the volume of loans issued—a more than 10% increase from 2024 to 2025 alone, with early 2026 already surpassing full-year 2022 totals. With support from the Mayberg Foundation for its strategic planning process, this expansion stems directly from HFL’s implementation of the plan’s core recommendations: expanding staffing to build capacity for relationship building, fundraising, and community outreach.

Shuli Tropp, HFL’s executive director, shared her enthusiasm for this progress and its real-world effects. “All of the pieces are coming together for us... We were equipped to address that immediate, intense problem,” she said, highlighting how the plan positioned HFL to seize opportunities during crises like last year’s federal government furlough and mass layoffs. On the strategic hire of Yale Siegel as development and marketing associate over a year ago, she added, “His role... is also to provide the support that we need to be able to function in that growth mode and to build strategic relationships.” Tropp described the lending surge as “an incremental growth that’s now hit the ground running,” a direct outcome of the plan’s vision.

The organization’s expanded lending—from $943,000 across 70 loans in 2024 to over $1 million across 90 loans in 2025, and already $690,000 across 58 loans in the first four months of 2026—reflects both preparation and rising need, spurred by last year’s federal government layoffs and furlough that hit the Greater Washington area Jewish community hard, as well as in ongoing areas of need, like debt consolidation, student aid, and family building. In early 2026, HFLA raised its lending caps—from $20,000 to $30,000 for most loans and $15,000 to $20,000 for students—to better meet that demand. Tropp credits Siegel’s work, increased hours for several staffers, and the addition of a marketing consultant for helping HFL build systematic donor stewardship and community partnerships, keeping the organization nimble for whatever financial challenges lie ahead.

Members of the Greater Washington Jewish community are feeling the impact of HFL’s growth in deeply personal ways—and praise HFL staff for the dignity and respect with which they have been treated during stressful and vulnerable times. One recipient wrote that the loan helped them leave an unsafe living situation, noting, “I am now thriving in a home that feels like a home... most importantly feel safe and comfortable to be in. This has allowed me to continue with goals that I had to previously set aside.” Another shared during the federal government shutdown, “The loan helped with cash flow during the federal government shutdown. We were able to continue paying our mortgage, utilities, and other expenses without any disruption.” Others shared that, “They were so kind and reassuring. I’m incredibly grateful for this organization,” and “[I] love how supportive the Jewish community is.”