The scale of the rain explains the urgency. From Nov. 1 to 2, historic rainfall hit the Space Coast and nearby areas, and South Brevard took the worst of it. Some spots saw more than 20 inches. Homes flooded and roads washed out in Palm Bay, Malabar, West Melbourne and surrounding communities. Florida declared a state of emergency on Nov. 2.
The Red Cross, one of the nonprofits in SCCU’s Partners in Purpose program, has opened an emergency shelter for displaced residents at the Wickham Park Senior Center, 2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935. It is also providing immediate support to families in need.
Janice Moran, executive director of the Red Cross North and Central Florida Region, thanked the credit union for the partnership. “The recent flooding in Brevard County is just the latest example of why this support is so important, helping ensure the American Red Cross is prepared to respond at a moment’s notice when our neighbors need us most,” she said. “We truly value our partnership with SCCU and the role their support plays in allowing us to care for and strengthen the communities we proudly share.”
The credit union is also contributing time, not just money. On Nov. 6, SCCU employees will assemble flood relief kits at Wickham Park Senior Center, and those kits will go to families recovering from the storm.
United Way Space Coast, meanwhile, is working with Brevard County Emergency Management and local organizations. Its focus is connecting residents with assistance and mobilizing volunteers for the long recovery ahead.
SCCU president and CEO Shane Hoyle framed the gift as a matter of neighbors helping neighbors. “As a credit union, our members are our neighbors,” he said. “Brevard has always shown up for one another. Supporting the organizations doing this work on the ground is how we show up now, and we’ll keep looking for ways to help as our community rebuilds.”
For a county still draining, the help is arriving where it counts: at a shelter, in a relief kit and through the volunteers doing the work.