BIRMINGHAM, Ala./ TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—More than 2,000 credit union branches and offices in the Southeast were or have been affected by Hurricane Idalia, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates is reporting.
However, the vast majority of CUs in the Big Bend region of Florida and then Georgia “escaped mostly unscathed,” the league stated.
The league and the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation reported they are supporting credit unions across Florida and Georgia that need assistance.
As news reports have shared, Idalia swept across the Southeast, leaving hundreds of thousands are without power, roads littered with storm debris and fears over the possibility of severe flooding. There have been no reports of any deaths.
Wednesday, the storm made landfall on Florida's Gulf Coast as a Category 3 hurricane.
In the days before Idalia’s arrival, LSCU said it began regular communication with credit unions in the projected path of the storm, offering disaster preparedness resources and tips, storm-tracking tools, and offers of assistance for after the storm passed.
“Today, less than 24 hours after the storm crashed through the region, three caravans of LSCU team members began delivering dozens of generators to impacted credit unions and their staff in Perry and Madison in Florida and in the Valdosta and Savannah metro areas in Georgia,” LSCU reported on Thursday.
"In the face of adversity brought by Hurricane Idalia, the strength of our credit union community shines brighter than ever. This morning, the first wave of LSCU team members traveled to impacted credit unions to ensure they have the support and resources needed to begin their recovery and repairs,” Samantha Beeler, president of LSCU said in a statement. “As we mobilized the Southeast Disaster Coordinating Council this week, it is clear the credit union community is united in support of one another's recovery efforts. We understand the challenges you're facing, and we're committed to standing by your side as you rebuild and restore.”
The foundation said it has established disaster relief funds for credit union staff and volunteers who require further assistance. These funds encompass necessities like food, water, shelter, and more, providing support for both immediate and long-term recovery.
"The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation has a history of supporting credit unions, their dedicated staff, and volunteers during times of need,” Bobbi Grady, director of the Foundation, said in a statement. “Through our past efforts, we've provided generators, vital everyday necessities and supplies, and monetary grants to ensure the well-being of those affected by disasters. This is a tangible step forward in our ongoing mission to aid credit unions and their communities on their journey to recovery."
To make a donation to the disaster relief efforts, click here.