Wildfire Season Is Here: GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund Can Help In Times of Crisis

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on July 24, 2024

Wildfire season in the West is upon us. GoWest’s six-state region sees more than its share of wildfires and other natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and ice storms.

When the unexpected happens, credit unions are often the first to step up to provide much-needed disaster relief, volunteering and donating generously to help individuals and communities in need.

Over the years, credit unions across the GoWest region have rallied time and again to volunteer, care for firefighters and emergency responders, assist displaced employees and members, provide immediate needs like food, clothing, and shelter, and work to maintain financial wellness by initiating emergency loans, quickly issuing new debit cards, or developing plans on how members will pay future loan payments.

GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund

The GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund was created to provide support for credit unions, employees, and volunteers impacted by natural disasters across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.

The fund is a demonstration of the cooperative spirit credit unions are known for and another way to deliver on the “People Helping People” philosophy. Donations from individuals, credit unions, and other organizations directly support these disaster relief efforts.

“The Disaster Relief Fund is another way we can support credit unions at a time when they are stepping up to help their communities,” said Sharee Adkins, GoWest’s Chief Impact Officer & Foundation Executive Director. “We’re continually inspired by the immediate response from credit unions to get local families and businesses back on their feet, and the Disaster Relief Fund is there to support credit unions when a natural disaster impacts their employees or operations.”

Individual Disaster Relief

Emergency situations often displace credit union employees, directors, and volunteers from their homes. GoWest Foundation can help with unexpected costs incurred due to displacement or damage from a natural disaster. The Disaster Relief Fund provides up to $1,500 per person to cover expenses including lodging, fuel, food, and property replacement. Individuals can quickly and easily apply online.

Credit Union Disaster Relief

Disaster relief is also available to credit unions in the event branches or operations are affected. An application can be submitted online to assist with staff support, building damage not covered by insurance, or other items necessary to recover.

If your credit union or employees are impacted by a natural disaster, please reach out to the GoWest Foundation Team for assistance.

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