PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla.–Credit unions operating in southwestern and south central Florida are still assessing their own facilities and the extensive damage to their communities and employees’ and members’ homes from Hurricane Ian, while some assistance led by the League of Southeastern Credit Unions has already arrived.
Credit unions are also warning members not to fall for hurricane-related scams, which are common after disasters of all types.
In the Carolinas, Ian arrived after crossing the Florida peninsula with less strength than many had feared, but it still dropped extensive rainfall that caused flooding in the two states. A review by CUToday.info of the status of many of the CUs in the two states found few announcements of branch closures.
LSCU President Samantha Beeler, center, with representatives of Trax CU.
It’s in Florida, however, where it will be years before many communities and credit union members recover. In Lee County, Fla., at least 35 people were reported to have died as a result of the hurricane, and the state has seen approximately 70 deaths to date, most from flooding.
For many credit unions, the ability to re-open branches will be dependent upon having staffing available and back-up generators, along with the fuel needed to power those systems. Over the weekend those gas stations that were open in Port Charlotte and other areas were reporting long lines and a “sea of red gasoline” cans from people looking to power their generators and cars.
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates said it moved quickly on Friday, one day after the storm hit, to begin delivering the first round of generators to credit unions in areas across the coasts of Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian.
In Tampa, representatives of Trax Credit Union, along with LSCU President Samantha Beeler, worked to deliver generators and gas cans to credit unions in the affected areas.
The need is there, the league noted, as more than 100 branches across the Sunshine State were closed.
’The Credit Union Difference’
“LSCU has been sending out regular communication to credit unions, providing updates and soliciting contributions to assist in recovery efforts,” the league said. “The credit union community across Alabama, Florida, and Georgia has truly leaned in to offer mobile branches, hot spots, and other resources. A true demonstration of the credit difference–credit unions who were directly impacted by the hurricane have offered support and resources to others in need,” the league said.”
Trax CU preparing to deliver generators to Southwest Florida.
Wide swaths of southwestern and south central Florida were without power over the weekend. The power outages extended to northeastern Florida, south of Jacksonville, where power was mostly restored by Sunday.
What Credit Unions Are Reporting
Among the announcements and updates provided by credit unions in the affected Florida areas:
- Suncoast Credit Union, which is based in Tampa, said on its website its branches in Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hendry, Polk and Sarasota counties are closed. On its website it was also offering resources that were aimed at helping members to protect themselves against hurricane-related scams, while sharing tips about hurricane recovery, including “What to Do After a Storm.” Suncoast CU has a branch on hard-hit Pine Island, as does Space Coast Credit Union.
- Michigan-based Lake Michigan Credit Union, which operates branches along Florida’s west coast, where many Midwesterners have retired or relocated, said its branches in Sun City Center, Cape Coral and Naples were temporarily closed.
- Achieva Credit Union, Dunedin, said many of its branches remain temporarily closed and that it will “begin opening branches that are able to serve members safely. Its website includes a link to check the status of local branches. As of Sunday, its website showed eight branches were temporarily shuttered in southwestern Florida.
- Tampa Postal FCU said it had reopened all of its branches, with the exception of Ft. Myers.
- MidFlorida CU reported branches in Spirit Lake, South Winter Haven, Arcadia and Wauchula, Fla., were open with drive-through only service. Branches are closed in Naples, Cape Coral, South Sebring, Avon Park, Orlando-Sand Lake, Longwood, St. Pete-Bay Pines and Sarasota. Like many other credit unions, MidFlorida directed its members to use online services and was among those that cautioned members to be “wary of hurricane-related scams or messages to ‘authenticate’ your account, either by phone, email, text messages or even social media.” Members were warned not to give out any personal information.
The Carolinas
Gas cans for generators.
In the Carolinas, where at least four people were reported dead as a result of Ian, credit unions and members have also been dealing with power outages.
In Georgetown, S.C., where Ian came ashore, Georgetown Kraft CU closed its branches on Friday, but there were no reports of extensive branch closures by other credit unions.
How to Help
To contribute to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation or to CU Aid to assist credit unions, teams, and members in their recovery efforts, click here.
All funds contributed go directly to credit union employees and volunteers in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, the league noted.
The league said there are resources for CUs affected by Ian, including:
- Southeast Credit Union Foundation grants to assist with immediate and long-term needs (food, water, ice, batteries, temporary shelters, transportation, assistance rebuilding or relocating, replacing lost items, etc.
- National Credit Union Administration urgent need grants up to $7,500 available for low-income institutions.
- The National Credit Union Foundation's disaster relief program, CUAid, is available to provide emergency funds to impacted credit union employees and volunteers.
Credit unions that are interested in doing more are being urged to contact LSCU at communication@lscu.coop.
Below, Suncoast CU website offers update on branches.
