2021-23 project summaries: Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN)

Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now
2-1324 Danforth Avenue
Toronto ON  M4J 1M9
Telephone: 416-996-6401

Enhancing access to low-cost/short-term credit among low- and moderate- income consumers

ACORN will undertake a study to generate evidence on the availability of and awareness about low-cost, short-term loan options among consumers facing vulnerabilities accessing fair credit alternatives. The proposed research aligns with two areas of focus, availability of and awareness about types of short term/low-cost credit options and effective actionable solutions to enhance financial inclusion.

Assessing the impact of COVID on consumers of high interest loans

This "refresher" project will build upon ACORN's previous research project "The Growing Online High Cost Consumer Credit Arena and Its Impact on Lower-Income Consumers" in the context of COVID-19. It will examine the experience of lower-to-moderate income consumers in the high-cost credit markets in times of crises.