Damage from Hurricane Laura in Lake Charles, La. (Source: Shutterstock)
After Hurricane Laura made landfall in Lake Charles, La., one month ago, the devastation is still massive, but many credit unions and the Louisiana Credit Union League (LCUL) are stepping up efforts to help credit unions, members and their communities recover and rebuild.
LCUL reported that it appears as if no home was left unscathed in the aftermath of the hurricane. For example, homes have entire walls blown away, roofs are gone and replaced by a sea of blue tarp, large trees are wedged on top of or inside homes, and twisted sheet metal lines the highways.
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"The road ahead for so many of our credit union peers and members is long and we will continue to stand with them every step of the way," Bob Gallman, LCUL CEO, said. "The resilience and resolve they are exhibiting while rebuilding their community are absolutely inspiring."
The league said the collaborative credit union spirit could immediately be felt in so many ways starting with shared branching, making it easy for displaced members to access their accounts.
There are six credit unions that serve a combined membership of more than 60,000 in Lake Charles and the surrounding area. LCUL is also offering grants for credit union employees whose homes were damaged by the hurricane. The deadline to apply for these grants is Oct. 16.
Credit unions that escaped the storm's path are hosting displaced peers, allowing them to set up shop temporarily in their facilities.
LCUL said there were countless acts of credit unions supporting each other including the $226 million Meritus Federal Credit Union in Lafayette hosting the $16.1 million McNeese Federal Credit Union in Lake Charles; the $1 billion Neighbors Federal Credit Union in Baton Rouge hosting the $120 million Southwest Louisiana Credit Union in Lake Charles; the $39.5 million Section 705 Federal Credit Union in Lafayette hosting the$10.6 million Firestone Lake Charles Federal Credit Union in Sulphur; and the $365 million CSE Federal Credit Union in Lake Charles hosting the $39.1 million Calcasieu Teachers & Employees Credit Union in Lake Charles.
Additionally, a few credit unions have organized teams of volunteers for cleanup efforts.
In the rebuilding process, even the smallest words of encouragement can make a huge difference, Gallman noted.
LCUL is encouraging credit unions to visit its Facebook page to add their comments of support.
People can make a contribution for recovery and rebuilding efforts on the LCUL site.
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Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
