Following the devastation in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene, United Federal Credit Union (United) has pledged $85,000 to three organizations to help impacted members, employees, and the community at large.

“Our first response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helen was checking on the safety and well-being of our employees and members,” said Terry O’Rourke, United CEO/President. “People always come first at United. As the communities shift to relief efforts, our next priority is getting vital resources to our friends and neighbors in western North Carolina. These donations are the start of our commitment to help federal, state, and local non-profits deliver those essential services.  We know the recovery effort is going to be long for this region, and United is dedicated to being part of the long-term relief and rebuilding.”

Rain and wind from Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina on September 27 destroying towns and leaving the region without power or running water. United operates four branches in the western part of the state. Three were able to reopen on Thursday, October 3, but the credit union’s South Hendersonville’s branch had significant flood damage and will not reopen until extensive repairs can be made.

“The response to this region following the hurricane has been humbling,” said Lee Beason, United’s Regional Vice President in North Carolina. “We’ve seen significant damage here, and some towns around Asheville no longer exist. It is so difficult to put into words the devastation this hurricane caused in our area. The last two weeks have been mentally and physically exhausting for those of us here in the western part of the state. But we have a resilient team of employees who have not hesitated to help our members and neighbors start to get back on their feet.”

To help western North Carolina get the necessary supplies they need right now, United is making several donations. The first is a $50,000 match campaign with the American Red Cross. United has pledged $25,000 upfront and will match up to another $25,000 in donations.

In addition to the match campaign, United has donated $25,000 to the Biltmore Church in Arden, North Carolina. Those funds will be used to provide food and water to western North Carolina residents. United will also donate $10,000 to the Asheville Police Department Chaplains.

In addition to community donations, United has immediately made its financial assistance program available to members located within FEMA: Disaster 4827 defined areas. Assistance includes: automatic waiver of Courtesy Pay fees through October 11, 30-day installment loan payment deferments1, no payments on new auto loans for 90 days2, Signature Loan with no payment for 90 days3, and a low interest rate U First credit card. Full details are available at:

https://unitedfcu.com/north-carolina-relief

“It is during difficult times like this where you see the real strength of communities come out,” said O’Rourke. “We’ve banded behind our employees and their families and friends as they navigate through this extremely trying time. We know every bit of support counts, whether it is financial assistance, helping to rebuild, or just offering a shoulder to lean on. We know the people in western North Carolina are strong, and with help from others, will be able to rebuild and look to the future.”

Loan payment deferral and Member Disaster Relief Loan available 09/27/24 - 11/30/24. Waiver of Courtesy Pay fee(s) available 09/27/24 - 10/11/24. These dates are subject to change. Member must have primary residence located within FEMA: Disaster 4827 defined areas to be eligible for waivers and offers.

[1] Terms and conditions apply. Interest will continue to accrue on your loan and your original loan term will be extended.

[2] Available to qualified borrowers for new auto installment loans; existing United loan refinances are ineligible. First payment due 90 days after loan closing. Finance charges accrue during the payment deferral period, beginning on the closing date.

[3] Available to qualified borrowers for signature/unsecured loans closed after 9/27/2024. Finance charges begin on the closing date and interest accrues during the payment deferral period. Subject to credit approval.