Dear Members:
It's been about a month since two hurricanes, Helene and Milton, left their paths of destruction across the Southeastern U.S. from Florida to eastern Tennessee to western North Carolina.
I was deeply saddened to hear about the devastating impacts of both hurricanes, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by these tragic events. Our board of directors and executive leadership team was actually in Asheville, North Carolina, during the week of September 22 for our annual strategic planning session. Many of us were still in the area when Hurricane Helene hit, and though we all returned home safely, we experienced firsthand the devastating effects on the community and its residents.
After I arrived home, I heard stories from a fellow corporate credit union CEO in Tennessee about the destruction of multiple bridges and a hospital where patients had to be rescued via the rooftop due to the height of the water. Then, remarkably, a second hurricane struck Florida only two weeks later.
The affected communities, including hundreds of credit unions, have begun the arduous journey of recovery and rebuilding homes and businesses. If your home or business was in the path of one of these hurricanes, please know that all of our thoughts and prayers have been with you.
Corporate One has made multiple donations this past month to credit-union specific disaster relief funds, but there is so much more all of us can do to help. If you are able, I encourage you to donate to the needs of the people in the disaster zones or even offer your personal assistance if you live nearby. The following are a few organizations to either donate to or request assistance on behalf of your credit union:
The NCUA’s Office of Credit Union Resources and Expansion can provide Urgent Need Grants of up to $7,500 to low-income credit unions that experience sudden costs to restore operations interrupted by the storm. Urgent need grants cover expenses that are not reimbursable under insurance policies, and may also be used to resume operations, such as reconstructing data or reestablishing network systems.
Northeast Tennessee Chapter Hurricane Relief - United Southeast Federal Credit Union
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund provides aid for credit unions, employees and volunteers directly impacted by Hurricane Helene.
The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation has established Disaster Relief Funds. These funds encompass necessities like food, water, shelter, and more, providing support for both immediate and long-term recovery.
If there are any ways Corporate One can support your credit union, please do not hesitate to contact me directly or our Member Experience Team at 866/MyCorp1. We are here to help our members.