FERGUSON, Mo.—With much of the violence that has plagued this city hopefully behind it, a local credit union is now concerned for area shopkeepers, especially those who suffered damage in the summer and then again last week.
The violence followed an announcement by prosecutors that a grand jury had recommended against charges being brought against Ferguson Police officer Darren Wilson, who is white, who fatally shot unarmed teenager Michael Brown, who is black.
In August, when the shooting took place, violence broke out and Alliance Credit Union responded by offering a 0% loan for local businesses to help business-owners rebuild or manage their way through the crisis. Sixteen shop owners have taken advantage of Alliance’s special 0%, $5,000 maximum loan for up to 24 months. No payment is required for 45 days.
“It’s been a good program, and one that shows how the credit union plays an important role in this community,” said Frank Evans, who heads up HR at ACU. “This situation may result in a second go-round with our loan for some, and we will be ready to help.”
Alliance CU’s Jennings, Mo. office has not been harmed, which Evans attributed to the $214-million CU’s standing in the community and recognition for the role it plays in helping this low-income neighborhood.
Alliance CU closed its Jennings office for two days after the prosecutor’s announcement, out of concern for the safety of employees and members.
Evans told CUToday.info that he hoped the holidays would give protestors time to reflect on the situation in Ferguson and how their actions are having a terrible impact on the community.
“Folks are exhausted from all of the violence,” said Evans.“Before the grand jury’s decision, people had just started feeling comfortable again about going about their day-to-day business. Now here were are again. If you told me in August that we’d still be talking about the crime and violence by Thanksgiving, I would have said you were nuts.”
After three nights of protests that led to more than 140 arrests in Ferguson and St. Louis and at least a dozen burned buildings, Ferguson was calmer last week as people stayed home for Thanksgiving.
Concerns exist in this city that the violence may be the new normal, and Evans is already aware how the turmoil is wearing on the CU’s members and staff.
“Some of our employees (who live in areas where the violence is high) feel safer coming to work than being at home,” said Evans. “I can’t imagine how that feels. That is a terrible situation and we will do all that we can to help our team. In reality, I see all the effects of the violence near our office, but when I go home at night I am 50 miles from Ferguson and the only noise I hear is the barking of our neighbor’s dog.”
Related links
No Indictment In Ferguson, CU Bracing For Community Reaction