ShoreBank is saved

Business, South Shore No Comments »

In February we profiled ShoreBank, the paradigmatic financial institution with a social conscience. Founded in the ailing South Shore neighborhood in 1973, it has been credited with proving that responsible lending can raise a profit, serving the low-income neighborhoods that other banks ignored. Although the bank has attempted to keep up with the surging post-recession demand for its services, it has faced troubles of its own in the past months. After its assets took a significant hit, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) ordered it to raise enough capital to remain solvent. Despite seeking bailout money from the state of Illinois, private donors, and national foundations, ShoreBank’s future remained uncertain until this week. But now Crain’s Chicago Business, which has closely tracked the community development giant’s battle for survival, is reporting that General Electric has agreed to kick in $20 million, which combined with $120 million from other private sector lenders will allow the bank to access $75 million of bailout money from the Treasury Department. It now looks like ShoreBank is saved, and communities in need can breathe a sigh of relief.