By Beth Cutler, Community Relations and Foundation Leader
As the devastation of both hurricanes Irma and Harvey continues, many people and businesses are in need of help. This includes credit unions we serve. As a company -- and as people who care -- our hearts go out to everyone impacted by these two catastrophic events.
Our disaster recovery team recently deployed to Texas, and we saw the harsh realities many credit unions, people and families are facing there. As we evaluate the circumstances in Florida and surrounding regions, we know we're one of many, many organizations who stand ready to help.
In August, the National Credit Union Foundation and the Cornerstone Credit Union Foundation activated CUAid.coop to support credit union people affected by the natural disaster in Texas. That support now extends to those affected by Irma as well. In turn, we're adding $50,000 to our initial donation to CUAid to help support the many credit union people who need financial aid right now.
While we know it will take months – if not years – to recover, we want to ensure our credit union partners, credit union employees and their families know we’re here to help support them.
To support or apply for help through CUAid, you can access the program here. It's one of a number of options credit unions can now explore to help them find relief.
Cornerstone and CUNA have launched a new online community called "Stronger Together." It can help connect credit unions and system friends find help and resources when natural disasters occur. The National Credit Union Administration's Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives is offering urgent needs grants of up to $7,500 for affected credit unions who qualify. And, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions is standing ready to support credit unions now affected by Irma.
You can also find tips, bulletins and other emergency preparedness resources for credit unions through our Disaster Recovery website.
