Living as a refugee in Jordan, Raqia lost all sense of purpose as she found herself relying on others to meet her basic needs. But with emergency cash relief paired with counseling, Raqia soon traded hopelessness for independence.

The results of the IRC’s research suggest that expansion of socially-minded consumer financing paired with financial education, and other asset-building programs, could help more low-income families achieve financial stability and at the same time reduce the risks the current subprime auto loan market represents to the overall U.S. economy.

Get the latest on the situation in Afghanistan, the Afghan refugee crisis, and ways to help with humanitarian aid and refugee resettlement efforts.