GoWest is here to help.
In these times, the cooperative spirit of credit unions is clear: showing up for your employees and your members and helping your community respond with compassion and urgency.
Your credit union, your employees, and the members you serve are our top concern when disaster strikes. We understand the gravity of the situation and are here to provide you with resources.
GoWest Foundation Disaster Relief Fund
For credit unions, employees, and directors directly impacted by wildfires, assistance is available through the GoWest Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund. Those who are eligible for this support can apply through the Foundation’s assistance application.
Applications are brief to complete online. If your credit union or team are impacted, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the GoWest Foundation Team for assistance.
- Individual Disaster Relief: Up to $2,500 per person to cover lodging, fuel, food, and other unexpected costs for displaced credit union employees, directors, and volunteers.
- Credit Union Disaster Relief: Assistance for branches or operations affected by a natural disaster, including staff support and recovery needs not covered by insurance.
Requests for assistance may come from a credit union’s leadership team, HR department, or directly from employees or board members. For more information, please contact the GoWest Foundation Team or access the fund application here. The Foundation’s goal is to make the process as seamless as possible during a difficult time.
Learn MoreSupporting Members, Employees and the Community
If you’d like to add a resource or share what your credit union is doing to meet your membership and community needs, please email Amy Rovig, Director, Credit Union Engagement & Outreach
Horizon Credit Union
Offering natural disaster forbearance of up to three months for members with a Horizon mortgage through Dovenmuehle Mortgage; low-rate emergency loan for members facing fire damage, lost necessities, or evacuation-related costs; payment deferral reviews for collateralized loans and lines of credit; referrals to regional donation and relief organizations.
Horizon Helps
STCU
Founding funder of the Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund through STCU’s Here for Good Foundation; matching donations up to a combined $100,000; disaster relief loans for members through Oct. 31; referrals to Red Cross Northwest for temporary housing, mental health support, and health services.
Here for Good Foundation Disaster Relief Spokane Complex Wildfire Response Fund STCU Wildfire Relief
Numerica Credit Union
Offering interest-free wildfire relief loan for eligible members, with no payments due for the first three months; payment relief available on some existing loans; referrals for shelter and evacuation information.
Numerica Wildfire Support Spokane County Emergency Management
Canopy Credit Union
Operation update. Closed its North Branch, located inside a Level 3 “Go Now” evacuation zone.
Canopy Credit UnionAdditional Wildfire Resources
As wildfires continue to burn throughout the region, we recognize the growing urgency to serve and respond to your employees, members, and the larger community impacted by the devastation. It is critical to have access to the latest information so that you can make the safest possible decisions.
Tracking Wildfires:
State Resources:
These sites update wildfires and provide additional resources such as evacuation information and grant assistance.
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Oregon
- Oregon Fires Dashboard
- Washington
- Guidance for Chartered and Licensed Entities Working with Customers Affected by the Wildfires (pdf).
- Wildfire Financial Relief and Resources
- Wyoming
Additional Funding Support:
Preparing your Credit Union, Employees, & Members
These resources may help prepare your workplace, employees, members, and your family for a wildfire or other natural disaster.
Stay Aware of Scammers: Disaster Recovery is a Target for Fraud
People recovering from major disasters are often targets for scammers ready to take advantage of their confusion, stress, and urgent need. Please take this opportunity to share with your leaders, staff, and members how to protect against scams.
Tips:
- Don’t let urgency override caution. Legitimate contractors, charities, and government agencies won’t demand payment, banking information, or immediate commitments. Pause and verify before transacting.
- Watch for fake charity requests. Donate directly to well-known and verified organizations with established donation processes. Don’t click on unsolicited links in texts, emails, or social media posts.
- Verify cleanup and recovery specialists. Homeowners in particular may be approached by companies offering special wildfire recovery services. Ask for license numbers, proof of insurance, and local references. Also be sure to document everything before cleanup begins for both insurance and fraud protection.
- Protect personal information. Don’t give out your Social Security number, bank account information, or insurance claim number unless you’ve independently verified the identity and credentials of the business or organization you’re dealing with.