PARADISE, Calif.–Credit unions and their members across Northern and Southern California continue to deal with ongoing fires here. More than 40 people are confirmed dead and hundreds are reported missing, many dying as they attempted to escape the fast moving blazes.
The branch of Sierra Central Credit Union in Paradise, Calif., the epicenter of one of the fires and where nearly all of the town has burned, was somehow spared and remains standing, although the office remains closed until further notice, according to the credit union. Its other 17 branches remain open.
Sierra Central is using its website to direct members to other CO-OP ATMs, as well.
Help For Members
In addition, Sierra Central’s is offering an Emergency/Disaster Relief Loan program that includes an unsecured loan offering up to $5,000 to those who have proof of residence or employment that they are located in the affected area. The loan has a 2% APR and terms to 60 months, with the first payment due 90 days from the date of funding.
Sierra Central is also offering approvals for payment extensions and loan modifications.
Experienced in dealing with disasters, Sierra Central is also offering information to the community on how to apply for assistance from FEMA, where to find evacuation centers, updates on the fires, where shelters can be found for large and small animals, how to volunteer to help, and how to find information on missing loved ones.
As of this report, the Camp Fire (which hit Paradise) was about 30% contained, and had burned 125,000 acres. It continues to rage in the hills and ravines east of the city of Chico, and has burned more than 7,600 structures.
The Woolsey Fire west of Los Angeles, which has swept through parts of Malibu, is 35% contained and has burned more than 96,000 acres.
The Hill Fire in Ventura County has been kept to about 4,500 acres and is 90% contained.