PERRY, Fla.—As the southeast begins to recover from massive Hurricane Helene that barreled through Florida before moving north, killing at least 90, early reports from credit unions indicate many will reopen Monday—with helping members recover from the disaster their priority.
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions Saturday morning listed 23 CUs that had been closed since Thursday. As CUToday.info reported, many shut down early last week to allow staff to gather supplies ahead of the storm that packed 140 mile per hour winds.
FSU CU, based in Tallahassee and with an office in the small town of Perry that was leveled by Helene, emphasized it is standing by its members and community.
“In the coming weeks, we will be offering special emergency assistance programs to those affected by the storm. And we remain YOUR financial champion, providing financial resources and guidance to help you get through this challenging time,” the organization stated on its Facebook page. “Together, we will rebuild and move forward.”
Helene Payment Deferral Program
Over the weekend, Suncoast CU, based in Tampa, immediately began offering its Hurricane Helene Payment Deferral Program.
“Suncoast Credit Union understands that financial challenges can arise, and we want to offer support during this time. If you are having difficulty making your upcoming loan payment, you may be eligible for a payment deferral (extension) on your existing loan with us,” the CU said on its website.
In Georgia, Valdosta-based Southeastern Credit Union addressed the widespread outages that have left millions across the southeast without power.
“We are working diligently to reopen our branches as power is restored. While it may take some time for life to return to normal, Southeastern Credit Union is here for you and stands by your side throughout this challenging time. Wishing you all the best as we come together to rebuild our communities,” the CU said on its Facebook page.
Florida CU reported over the weekend that all of its locations were open Saturday, except its office in Haile, expecting that branch to be operating Monday.
In Pensacola, Fla., Loyalty Credit Union, while reopening its offices over the weekend, encouraged members who might have difficulty reaching a branch to download its mobile app.
Saturday, First Commerce CU turned its Adel, Ga., office into a “comfort center” for the community that includes recharging stations for electronic devices.
"Join us today until 1 p.m. to enjoy complimentary snacks, drinks and a chance to cool off and recharge your electronic devices inside the financial center,” the CU posted on its Facebook page.
'Prayers For Everyone'
Emerald Coast Federal Credit Union, Port St. Joe, Fla., over the weekend said it was working to have its Port St. Joe and Wewahitchka branches open Saturday.
“Our Eastpoint branch will remain closed today and plans to reopen on Monday,” the CU said on its Facebook page.
Another CU in the devastated town of Perry, ahead of Helene reaching land, braced for the storm’s impact.
“Prayers for everyone across our field of membership as Helene is almost here,” Blue Cost FCU posted on Facebook Thursday. “Please be safe…Your credit union will be here, ready to help you any way we can after the storm!”
Credit unions wishing to donate to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation Disaster Relief Fund, click here.