CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas—As credit unions in Houston still struggle to get back on their feet, counterparts in other areas of this storm-ravaged state are in better shape and focused on helping members.
Power outages have been the big issue in Corpus Christi, said David Brooks, CEO of the $55-million Texas Bridge CU here, who boarded up his home the Friday before Harvey first struck and hoped for the best.
“We covered our windows and rode it out,” said Brooks. “The winds were high, and that was really the worst of what we faced.”
Running on backup generators, the credit union’s two locations were open at 9 a.m. Monday morning. The power was restored to Brooks’ home and the credit union Monday.
“The power company did a great job,” he said.
The entire area was not as fortunate as Brooks, as power outages across the city remained the biggest challenge through mid-week.
“Our buildings were unharmed, except for a little water damage under the carpet near a few doors of one office,” Brooks said.
Some staff had difficulty getting to work on Monday, explained Brooks.
“Those who live closer to the eye of the storm were affected the worst,” he said. “The city is cleaning up now and we are working with our members who have been impacted by Harvey, granting them special loans and giving them any other assistance they need.”
Downed fences were common in this city, said Greg Fair, CEO of the $126-million Members First CU here.
“We closed our offices on Friday and Saturday—two in Corpus Christi and one in Harlingen,” said Fair. “Our main office, which is a former AT&T building, never lost power. Our Corpus Christi branches lost power. They both regained power by Monday. Our damages were very minor and included broken tree branches and downed fences.”
Fair said that most employees lost power at their homes.
“We have one employee whose home has sustained substantial water damage,” said Fair. “It helped a lot that we were able to use cell phones throughout the storm and afterward to keep in touch with family and friends.”
In Pasadena, Pasadena Postal Credit Union is in good shape, taking no damage, said CEO Shelly Hicks, who added the same can’t be said for members.
“We serve employees for 11 local postal facilities, retirees and family members. At this time we believe a large percentage of our 420 members have sustained losses from Harvey and the insurmountable rain,” said Hicks. “Three of our five board members have damage to their homes ranging from a ceiling collapse to over five feet of water in the home and all vehicles lost. We have two employees, myself and my co-worker, and fortunately we did not experience any damage.
“We are open and helping members,” continued Hicks. “We are deferring loan payments for 60 days and offering a rebuilder loan for those in need. The credit union is located on site at the USPS building here and access to our office was unavailable the past two days. However, the credit union’s phone number was forwarded to my cell phone and our system was brought up at a remote site. We’ve posted ACH files and made payrolls available early to assist members as much as possible. We have been able to receive calls and speak with members all week.”
Hicks said the support from credit union agencies has been appreciated.
“We’ve received excellent support from the Texas Credit Union Department, the NCUA and the Cornerstone CU League,” she said. “It takes a village and we’re blessed to work with such great people.”
In Port Lavaca, $5.1-million Coastal Teachers FCU was not able to reopen as of mid-week.
“We’re doing OK. Staff and family members have had damage to their homes but we are all safe,” said CEO Claudia Coward. “No power here yet. The credit union has been damaged, mostly to the drive-through. Hopefully we will reopen in the next day or two.”