"We are focused on helping meet their needs as recovery efforts continue," Serafin said. "The employees are using the (CUNA Mutual) office to get relief, make phone calls, water and help family members." Generators are powering the San Juan office but only for four hours a day to conserve fuel.

She noted CUNA Mutual employees are working together to meet all of their basic needs for water and gas.

"They are taking turns waiting in line to get gas for generators," Serafin said.

NCUA Public Affairs Specialist John Fairbanks reported Wednesday that of the 11 federal credit unions in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, the status of three credit unions is still unknown. Three more have reported that they are not yet open, and the other credit unions are open under limited hours.

The $2.8 billion Baxter Credit Union in Vernon Hills, which operates two branches and five ATMs in Puerto Rico, said on a Facebook post Tuesday afternoon that BCU's credit and debit cards are working at four retail locations on the island at Sam's Club, Walgreens, Walmart, and Home Depot.

"We are working tirelessly to get BCU ATMs up and running," the credit union said. BCU also said it is waiving all ATM or account fees through the end of October and payments on all BCU loans will be deferred for two month.

"Our thoughts continue to be with you and all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Maria," BCU said. "Know that your credit union is here for you and ready to help."

Serafin said CUNA Mutual's emergency supplies such as satellite phones, solar chargers, made-ready-to-eat meals, drinking water filtration/treatment kits, first aid kits, batteries, flashlights, arrived Thursday in Puerto Rico for employees and credit unions. Additional supplies such as toiletries, camping showers, paper plates, were shipped today.

On Wednesday, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said cash operations are working and there is adequate inventory to meet demand from depository institutions on the island.

"Demand for cash is extraordinarily high right now, and will evolve as depository institutions regain power, (and) armored car services are able to reach branches, and ATMS are once again active," the Federal Reserve Bank of New York said in a prepared statement. "We are coordinating with local and national authorities to monitor the situation on the ground very closely and are actively preparing to meet any sustained elevated currency demand in the future."

Miguel Corro, WOCCU's vice president of member services, said he spoke with Luis Lopez on Wednesday. Lopez is CEO of Abraham Rosa Cooperativa in Toa Baja, Puerto Rico which is roughly 10 miles west of San Juan.

Lopez told Corro communication continues to be a huge challenge. "Though there is a lot of solidarity and hope, there is also destruction and desolation," Lopez wrote in part on his Facebook site. "Rebuilding will be a gigantic task.  Now there are lines to get anything you need. Some are very impatient because of this new reality and this adds to the frustration…this sense of powerlessness is hard to imagine."

WOCCU's Worldwide Foundation for Credit Unions, Inc., is accepting donations to help credit union victims in the Caribbean. To contribute, please visit https://www.woccu.org/give.

The National Credit Union Foundation has activated CUAid to help with relief effors specifically in Puerto Rico. Visit CUAid.coop for more information.