In every country in the world, money makes money. Without collateral it is virtually impossible to obtain the capital to respond to an emergency, to own permanent housing, or to start a small business. However, through the development of community savings schemes and small-scale credit, people on low-incomes in many countries have been able to strengthen local organizations and livelihood opportunities and thereby avoid under-nourishment, health troubles and many other problems associated with poverty - as a first step to improving their circumstances in a more significant and sustainable way. This example of a women's credit union in Sri Lanka, the Kanth Sahayaka Sewaya, shows the potential for low-income groups to work together to build confidence, mutual trust and saving potential until they are able to borrow - and to repay - substantial amounts of money for housing, small enterprise development and for subsistence in times of emergency. Their common fund also provides welfare payments and interest-free loans for schoolbooks and cultural activities for children, improving the quality of life for the participants in many important ways.