Credit Union Communities Mobilize Urgent Relief Efforts In response to Devastation from Hurricane Milton

 In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the destruction across the region is catastrophic, with more than 192,000 residents still without power and countless others dealing with severe damage caused by the storm's 120 MPH winds. Hurricane Milton struck central Florida Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, resulting in life-threatening storm surges, at least at least 45 preliminary reports of tornadoes, and extreme flooding. Nonetheless, the resilience of the credit union movement has shown during this recovery period as credit unions, Leagues, and other system partners have banded together to support those impacted. 

The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation (SECUF) has gathered essential supplies, including food, water, and generators and has mobilized to deliver support to those most in need. The SECUF grant program remains open to assist credit union employees and volunteers facing immediate personal hardship. Additionally, SECUF has launched a new Disaster Relief Community Impact Matching Grant Program offering credit unions up to $2,500 in matching funds to support community recovery efforts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton through outreach projects. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) is also offering grants of up to $7,500 to low-income credit unions affected by the storm. 

"The devastation caused by Hurricane Milton is unimaginable, and our hearts are with everyone impacted," said Samantha Beeler, President of LSCU. "Now is the time we see the true strength of the credit union movement—people rallying to lift each other up. We are fully committed and ready to mobilize every resource available to help rebuild these communities and restore hope in the aftermath of this disaster."

The Disaster Relief Fund is open for those who wish to contribute to relief efforts. Donations go directly to helping credit union employees, their families, and their communities recover, rebuild, and restore their lives.

“We’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact these funds have during devastating storms like Hurricane Helene which made landfall just two weeks ago,” said Bobbi Grady, Executive Director of SECUF. “From delivering essential, life-saving supplies to helping credit unions reopen and serve their communities, your contributions make a tremendous difference. Every single dollar directly supports a credit union employee or family in crisis. The need is urgent, and your help makes all the difference.”

The Disaster Relief Fund has been a vital resource during past disasters, offering financial assistance for basic needs like temporary housing, transportation, and food. As central Florida begins the recovery process from Hurricane Milton, credit union members and supporters are encouraged to consider donating to the fund to assist those facing immediate challenges.

Those wishing to contribute to relief efforts can make donations to the Disaster Relief Fund.

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ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF SOUTHEASTERN CREDIT UNIONS & AFFILIATES  

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents nearly 300 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of almost $200 billion in assets and more than 12.4 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, cooperative initiatives, and communications. For more information, visit www.lscu.coop. Follow LSCU on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

ABOUT THE SOUTHEASTERN CREDIT UNION FOUNDATION

The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the progressive professional development of credit union staff and volunteers, financial capability programs for all age groups, and the creation of valuable resources for our member credit unions and the communities they serve. The SECUF mission is to support economic growth by promoting financial wellness, sparking collaborative community initiatives, and providing disaster preparedness and relief to credit unions.