Where Support Meets Strategy
Our team helps applicants navigate the rigorous debt landscape to find effective solutions.
Our resource hub features curated videos and webinars aimed at promoting financial literacy and empowerment.
Open to All — Supporting Public Service Professionals Burdened by Predatory Loans.
Loan Debt and Mental Health: What Studies Show
Evidence on Financial Stress, Loan Debt, and Depression
Older systematic reviews of education‑related loan debt have similarly shown that higher levels of financial burden are associated with increased stress and poorer psychological wellbeing, including correlations with academic outcomes and mental strain.
Debt and Mental Health: What Research Shows
Research indicates a clear link between loan debt and mental health challenges. A recent comprehensive review of scholarly literature examined dozens of studies on education‑related loans and mental health outcomes. Across countries and samples, stress, anxiety, and depression were among the dominant mental health issues associated with the burden of carrying debt into repayment.
Elbow Room IMPACT
"Elbow Room didn’t just help me — it changed my life!"
Coming soon: Real stories. Real people. Real impact
Our Purpose, With You in Mind
Non-Profit Professionals
Public leaders work to strengthen and sustain communities while shaping a brighter future.
Educational Professionals
Educators help build strong foundations by teaching, guiding, and developing future generations.
Tools and Knowledge
to Move You Forward
Imagine living free from financial stress feeling proud of your education and confident about what’s ahead. With Elbow Room, you’re supported every step of the way. Whether you need help with your Public Service Loan Forgiveness application or understanding your repayment options, we’re here for you.
The Visionary Behind Elbow Room
Holly Johnson Friar founded Elbow Room with you in mind after recognizing how public service professionals are squeezed on all sides without clear direction. She made it her mission to build a team to support, strategize, and provide direction.
Foundation Details
Elbow Room: The Movement to End Student Loan Debt, Inc. is operating as a CA non-profit public benefit corporation using federal tax-exempt status as a public charity under Sections 501(c)(3), 170, 2055, 2106 or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions to Elbow Room: The Movement to End Student Loan Debt are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. (EIN: 86-1986002)
Regain Your Confidence, Be Prepared, And Succeed Wherever You Go.
Connect With Us on Social Media
You’re on social media and so are we. Let’s connect. Your journey and our videos are just a click away. Don’t forget to send us a question or forward our videos to someone who needs help.
