Brighter Futures Begin with HOPE.

Member Pulse Survey: August Findings

September 9th, 2025

The Hope Policy Institute recently conducted its Member Pulse Survey to better understand how current economic conditions are impacting members and their financial well-being. The survey reflects feedback from members across HOPE’s footprint and provides valuable insights into the financial realities facing families and communities in the Deep South.

Key Findings

The survey revealed two core themes shaping the financial experiences of HOPE members:

Persistent Financial Insecurity

Financial insecurity remains a significant challenge for many members:

• 40% reported no improvement in their ability to comfortably cover household expenses over the past three months.
• 33% do not feel financially secure enough to handle unexpected expenses.
• 36% are unable to save regularly for emergencies or future goals.
• 27% indicated that paying one bill meant they could not afford to pay another.

These findings highlight the difficult trade-offs many families face each month, where one financial obligation often comes at the expense of another.

Rising Reliance on Credit and Loans

Economic pressures are forcing some members to take on additional debt to meet basic needs: 33% reported relying more heavily on credit or loans to cover essential expenses.

While the majority of members are not yet leaning heavily on credit, this growing reliance signals deepening economic strain that could undermine long-term financial stability.

Federal Developments and Community Impact

Members were also asked about how recent federal policy changes and economic shifts have affected them:

• 65% reported no direct impact from federal developments.
• Among those who were affected, key concerns included:
  • Unpaid hurricane-related repairs due to insurance challenges.
  • Cuts to senior programs
  • Widespread layoffs leading to job loss and income instability.
  • Inflation and rising costs of living.
  • Reductions in federal funds for vital programs.

These insights underscore the interconnectedness of federal policies and local realities, showing how funding decisions ripple through communities.

The data provides a crucial snapshot of the challenges HOPE members are facing: stagnant incomes, increased reliance on credit, and ongoing systemic barriers that prevent families from building wealth. These findings emphasize the urgent need for policies and programs that strengthen financial stability and resilience for underserved communities.

The survey is part of HOPE’s ongoing commitment to listening to members and advocating for solutions that close equity gaps and create pathways to shared prosperity.