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501(c)(3) non-profit in Boyle Heights providing free financial coaching, tax assistance, and human services to low-income families since 1981.
Data compiled from public sources
El Centro de Ayuda is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 1981 as El Centro Substance Abuse Treatment Center (SATC) and formally incorporated as El Centro de Ayuda in 1996. Located in the Boyle Heights community of Northeast Los Angeles, the organization has over 35 years of experience serving low-income families through a comprehensive continuum of human services. Their mission centers on promoting social, emotional, academic, and economic self-sufficiency.
The organization offers a robust suite of free and low-cost services including financial empowerment and coaching to help families demystify their finances, free income tax assistance with ITIN application support, mental health and outpatient counseling services, support groups, employment services, and listed youth and adult programming. Their FamilySource Center functions as a one-stop service hub for low-income families. They also operate The Low Income Fare is Easy (LIFE) program and facilitate MSW student internship placements.
El Centro de Ayuda distinguishes itself through its deep community roots, 35+ year history of service in a specific geographic area, culturally-informed approach (their logo incorporates Aztec symbolism representing growth and balance), and integration of multiple service domains under one roof rather than narrow specialization. The organization has demonstrated measurable community impact, with 2022 data showing students achieving academic success through leadership development and families generating sustainable income while preventing homelessness.
As a non-profit dependent on donations and community support, service availability and capacity may fluctuate with funding. While they provide financial coaching and tax assistance, they are not a credit counseling agency with NFCC certification or HUD approval mentioned on their website. Potential clients should verify current program availability and eligibility requirements, as the website does not detail specific income thresholds or service limitations.
This is state-level context for Free Help consumers in Los Angeles, CA. It does not confirm that El Centro De Ayuda or this specific location is licensed.
State regulator
California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
Consumer protection
Source: CreditDoc state-law summary and listed public regulator resources. Verify licensing directly with the listed state regulator before relying on a provider.
El Centro De Ayuda offers 11 services including Free Income Tax Assistance and ITIN Applications, Financial Empowerment Program and Financial Coaching, FamilySource Center (one-stop service hub for low-income families), Mental Health Services and Outpatient Counseling, Support Groups, and 6 more.
El Centro De Ayuda has profile signals associated with Low-income families in Northeast Los Angeles seeking integrated social, mental health, and financial services, Undocumented immigrants and ITIN holders needing free tax assistance and financial guidance, Youth and families seeking employment services, leadership development, and college readiness programming, Families at risk of homelessness or economic instability needing comprehensive community support.
Key strengths: Free income tax assistance and ITIN applications reduce financial barriers for undocumented and low-income families; Integrated FamilySource Center model provides one-stop access to multiple services (financial, mental health, employment, housing support); 35+ years of established presence and trust in Boyle Heights and Northeast Los Angeles community. Areas to consider: No mention of NFCC certification or HUD approval for credit counseling on website, limiting some federal program access; Geographic limitation to Northeast Los Angeles/Boyle Heights community may not serve broader regional population.
In the Free Help category, comparable providers include American Consumer Credit Counseling, Inc., BALANCE, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of San Francisco. Each company has different strengths, so compare services, pricing, and consumer complaint records before deciding what to do next.
CreditDoc Profile Note
El Centro de Ayuda is profile signals for low-income families and individuals in Northeast Los Angeles seeking free, integrated financial coaching alongside mental health, employment, and social services. The main caveat is that they function as a comprehensive human services nonprofit rather than a listed credit counseling agency, and services are geographically limited to their Boyle Heights community.
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