NCUF: Disaster relief grants available in Louisiana

NEW ORLEANS, La. (11/15/05)--As Louisiana credit union leaders work to determine the additional funding still needed to recover from Hurricane Katrina, the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) met with credit unions in New Orleans to promote the continued availability of disaster relief grants.

A typical "tent city" in a park behind the welcome sign shows the shortage of housing in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. (Photo provided by the National Credit Union Foundation)
NCUF Program Development Director Ruth Jaure participated in the National Credit Union Administration's (NCUA) "town hall" meeting in New Orleans with 57 credit unions, surveyed New Orleans' Ninth Ward with NCUA regional staff, and visited the New Orleans branch of the Mississippi-based Hope Community CU, which the credit union hopes to reopen in December.

"I heard incredible stories from credit union employees and how they jumped into action to help their members and each other," Jaure reported. "Some moved into rooms with up to 15 other people and used our first round of disaster relief grants to buy a refrigerator or a washing machine. The ongoing needs are tremendous... We are eager to help them as they enter the next phase of recovery."

Lynette Colin, manager of Hope Community Credit Union's New Orleans branch, says the branch hopes to reopen in December. (Photo provided by the National Credit Union Foundation)
Based on needs assessments conducted by state leagues for credit union employees and their families, NCUF has been making larger grants to help those individuals recover. "Phase II" grants are being awarded to individuals based on three categories of needs: "Serious"--$1,500; "Very Serious"--$2,500; and "Critical"--$3,500.

Louisiana applications can be sent to Carolyn Ricks, the league's director of resources & information, at carolyn@lcul.com. Questions can be directed to 800-452-7221, ext. 3013.

The most critical cases may be revisited for additional grants if further funding is available.

NCUF so far has committed and/or disbursed:

  • $990,000 for Louisiana;
  • $500,000 for Mississippi;
  • $150,000 to Alabama;
  • $50,000 to Texas, and;
  • $150,000 to the National Federation of Community Development Credit Unions for low-income credit unions in affected states.

Since Hurricane Katrina, NCUF's Disaster Relief Fund has raised more than $2.7 million. Every dollar raised will continue to be used for disaster relief benefiting credit union organizations and their employees.

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Resource Links
NCUF Disaster Relief Fund
Relief Effort and Support for CUs (R.E.S.C.U.)
News Now Related Stories: Hurricanes 2005


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