Black Culture Initiative Offers Free Financial Literacy Workshops in Eugene

The Black Culture Initiative of Eugene launched the first session of a free five-part financial wellness series Saturday, walking participants through debt reduction strategies, household budgeting, and savings planning for long-term goals including homeownership and retirement.

The workshop covered practical, immediately actionable ground: how to track income and expenses, which debts to prioritize for payoff, how to set short- and long-term savings targets, and how to improve credit health. Organizers built the series around helping participants develop "confidence and clarity" with the money they already have, rather than advancing complex investment strategies.

Michelle Hjelm, BCI's programs and system manager, tied the series directly to the organization's broader wellness mission. Financial literacy "is a huge part of wellness," she said, adding that financial insecurity has a way of eroding stability in other areas of life.

The class was free, a deliberate design choice to remove cost as a barrier for residents who might not otherwise access financial coaching. Four sessions remain in the series; enrollment information and upcoming dates are available through the Black Culture Initiative Eugene website.

The timing lands as Lane County households continue to absorb elevated housing costs and inflationary pressure that have stretched budgets across the region. Community-based financial education of this kind can intercept crises before they escalate, helping residents avoid eviction, utility shutoffs, or unmanageable debt. The series may also open referral pathways for participants who need one-on-one financial counseling or help navigating local support services beyond what the classroom setting can offer.