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Hurricane Helene Relief & Resources

As our state continues to assess damage and members work to recover and rebuild, SECU is here to help.

Assistance and availability

SECU is here for you in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Give us a call

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to Hurricane Helene, contact your local branch or the Lending Contact Center to discuss available options. We may be able to assist with loan payment extensions or an emergency loan.

Branch and ATM closings

Due to impacts of the storm, some SECU branches may be closed or operating on a modified schedule and some ATMs may be down. Visit our branch and ATM locator to verify branch availability or call before visiting.

Ways SECU can help

SECU may be able to offer financial assistance for members on the road to recovery. 

  • Emergency relief loans

    Loans up to $5,000 dollars are available to assist impacted members. Contact your local branch or the Lending Contact Center at (844) 296-4831 for more information and to apply.

  • Auto loans

    Auto loans are available should you need to replace a vehicle damaged by flood or storm. Contact your local branch or the Lending Contact Center at (844) 296-4831 for more information and to apply.

  • Mortgage loan assistance

    We will be offering relief to qualified members who have experienced hardships due to the storm in eligible FEMA declared disaster areas. Contact us at (877) 835-2567 for more information.

  • Existing loans and credit cards

    If you have a loan or credit card with us and need temporary help making payments or other assistance due to the storm, contact us at (877) 835-2567 to discuss.

You can also begin preparing for receipt of funds from your homeowners insurance claim by reviewing our Loss Draft Packet which contains contact information for assistance with the claim process for SECU loans.

Government assistance

Federal assistance may be available through FEMA, including various government-backed grants or low-cost loans for those in a designated federal disaster area.

People in the affected counties who are unemployed as a direct result of Hurricane Helene may be eligible for unemployment benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) program. Business owners and self-employed individuals affected by the storm may also qualify for benefits. Visit des.nc.gov for more information or to apply.

Sustainable habitat Map of North Carolina, Environment concept

Relief efforts

Many groups are coordinating relief efforts in Western North Carolina. Those impacted by the storm can find assistance and information through:
 

How you can help

SECU branches are collecting items to help those in need. Donate at your local branch.

List of requested donations

  • Baby wipes
  • Bottled water
  • Bug spray
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Diapers
  • Heavy duty work gloves
  • Hydration powder packs
  • Hygiene products (toothpaste, soap, shampoo, etc.)
  • Manual can openers
  • Non-perishable food
  • Paper products
  • Pet food
  • Plastic utensils
  • Sanitary wipes
  • Socks (all sizes, new and unopened)
  • Sports drinks
  • Trash bags

Stay safe from disaster scams

Unfortunately, some people may try to take advantage of disaster victims. A common home repair scam involves someone showing up at your property and offering to do repair work. They ask for funds up front to purchase supplies, and once you have paid them, they never return. Be wary of requests to pay up front.

Before hiring someone, check references, insurance, and licenses. The following pages provide information about licensees for common licensed professionals in North Carolina that may be involved in repair work: