SEATAC, Wash.-- As historic flooding inundates western Washington, more than 100,000 residents have been displaced and evacuation orders now span multiple river valleys, placing many credit unions—along with their employees and members—directly in harm’s way.
A rainstorm—one of the longest and most intense ever recorded in the Pacific Northwest—has stalled over the region, dumping up to 10 inches of rain and sending rivers such as the Skagit and Snohomish to record or near-record flood stages. Gov. Bob Ferguson declared a state of emergency as widespread evacuations and flood rescues continue, and National Guard units mobilize to assist communities cut off by water and mudslides.
The GoWest CU Association told CUToday.info many CUs are impacted.
“Nearly 50 GoWest-affiliated credit unions fall within current flood-risk zones, underscoring how widely these conditions are being felt across impacted communities and among our colleagues,” Maddy Schreibvogel, VP ofpublic relations at GoWest, stated Friday.
According to GoWest’ analysis, 35 credit unions have some presence or operations in the Severe Flood Risk Area, and 14 GoWest member credit unions in the Flood Risk Area.
In total, there were 250 GoWest member branches and headquarter locations in the potentially affected areas.
“We have reached out, and so far the response has been that they're doing okay and working diligently to navigate both for their members and impacted staff. There are a few branches that have been temporarily closed due to flooding,” Schreibvogel said.
Schreibvogel emphasized that Washington credit unions have a strong history of providing disaster relief resources to their members whether it be payment deferrals, low- to no-interest loans, and working with members whose lives and businesses have been impacted in previous floods.
“Which are unfortunately not uncommon given Washington’s rivers, elevation, and location,” she explained. “When disasters like this occur, credit unions remain a vital source of stability for their communities, and the GoWest Foundation is here to support the people who make that possible.”
The GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund provides immediate assistance for impacted individuals and credit unions. Relief funds are deployed to credit union employees, board members, and volunteer , helping cover unexpected expenses during displacement. The Foundation also continues to accept donations as needs grow.
GoWest is encouraging credit union leaders to reach out if team members, volunteers, or branch structures have been impacted. Applications and additional details are available on the Foundation website.