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Assistance still needed to help credit union employees recover and credit union branches reopen

TALLAHASSEE, FL (October 3, 2022) — Between Friday, September 30 and Monday, October 3, the number of Florida credit union branch closures decreased from more than 105 to roughly 73 following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ian.

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, the regional trade association representing Alabama, Florida, and Georgia credit unions, has been coordinating disaster relief efforts to ensure credit unions and their teams have the resources they need to get through this difficult time. Relief efforts have included delivering more than 65 generators to areas in need, raising nearly $185,000 through the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation to assist with immediate and long-term needs, collecting recovery equipment, mobilizing the Southeast Disaster Coordinating Council, and more.

“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from credit union communities across the country who reached out immediately following the Hurricane and graciously offered resources to assist in recovery efforts,” noted Patrick La Pine, CEO of LSCU & Affiliates. “Please consider contributing to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation or to CU Aid to assist credit unions, their teams, and their families working to get through this hardship. Whether it’s restoring power to ensure families can keep medication and food refrigerated, purchasing diapers for children in need, or providing tarps to protect institutions from the next round of rain, every penny helps with recovery efforts.”

Counties still dealing with issues related to the storm include: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Highlands, Lee, Flagler, Manatee, Orange, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, and Volusia.

For those affected, please be reminded there are several resources available during this difficult time:

Southeast Credit Union Foundation grants to assist with immediate and long-term needs (food, water, ice, batteries, diapers, 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.

To get in touch with LSCU and learn how you can further offer support to credit unions in need of recovery equipment, please contact communication@lscu.coop.

About League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates (LSCU)

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents nearly 300 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. It has a combined total of almost $200 billion in assets and 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.