Italy: Vicenza launches micro credit project

In Vicenza it is now operational a micro credit project wanted by the Caritas of the Diocese to help people with temporary financial problems. Seven counters are currently working at this initiative. At these counters there will be preliminary investigation into the applications, times and modes of return will be fixed according to the financial capacity of the subject. Interests have been fixed to 3 per cent. The convention that launched the project was signed last November 18th by the Association Diakonia Onlus, operational branch of the Caritas of Vicenza, and the Banche di Credito Cooperativo/Casse Rurali ed Artigiane of the Vicenza Province. The loans, amounting to three thousand euros maximum, will be given thanks to a Guarantee Fund that will grow through donations. The initial amount of the fund is 160 thousand euros, allocated by the Caritas, the Diocese, the Banche di Credito Cooperative and Casse Rurali of the Province, the Municipality of Santorso and by an individual. www.caritas-vicenza.it