Durham, N.C. — A co-founder of the community development lender Self-Help Credit Union was attacked by several men leaving his office in downtown Durham.

Martin Eakes, 54, was attacked on Corcoran Street Monday night, police said. He received stitches and may need surgery to his arm, officials said.

Eakes told police the attackers were four men in their early 20s.

Eakes and his wife co-founded Self-Help in 1980 to give economic opportunities to minorities, women and low-income families. The organization has grown to more than $1 billion in assets and has helped provide financing to more than 50,000 homeowners.