In response to Hurricane Harvey, CUNA and the Cornerstone Credit Union League are launching an online community through which credit unions and system friends can connect and help each other when natural disasters strike.
Through the community, organizations nationwide can post available services and resources, which will be matched to needs identified by affected credit unions. The community also includes a discussion board to share ideas, experiences and stories.
“The past two weeks have provided me with reinvigorated hope in mankind and in our credit union system despite some incredibly dark and difficult times in Southeast Texas,” said Cornerstone Credit Union League President/CEO Caroline Willard. “But we know that this is not a crisis that will dissipate overnight or in the coming days. Recovery for this area of our region will last years and the effects of the hurricane and the ensuing flood waters will last a very long time.”
"Credit unions are better together, as our collective efforts and financial support have shown in recent days," said CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “We are here to help bring needed resources to credit unions in Texas and Florida, and have a system in place to help other credit unions in the future."
While the National Credit Union Foundation's online disaster relief system, CUAid, has proven to be an effective source of financial support for credit unions in times of need--raising more than $1 million in the less than a week after Hurricane Harvey--previous disasters have shown that affected credit unions also require more immediate logistic and tactical assistance, such as:
· Mobile ATMs;
· Mobile branch;
· Generators;
· Phones;
· Laptops;
· Onsite or remote operational assistance; and
· Temporary relocation.
To get involved, credit unions can visit the community and provide the details of their needs or available resources into a simple form. Or, call 800-356-9655 for assistance. CUNA and the league will then match credit unions accordingly.