The working poor in America face many challenges. Traditional lenders refuse to serve them because they are high-risk, leaving them vulnerable and reliant upon predatory lenders such as pawnshops, payday lenders, and rent-to-own centers. This paper argues that predatory lending fills a necessary void but can be replaced by a more socially responsible and equitable alternative model. By promoting relational lending, risk can be minimized and the lives of working poor people in America can be improved.