Four credit union employees whose homes and property were damaged by the recent flooding in south central Montana received some extra financial assistance as they work to recover from their losses last week, thanks to the cooperative generosity of credit unions

The funds come from a grant that Montana’s Credit Unions requested from the National Credit Union Foundation’s CUAid program, which raises money and distributes funds to aid credit union employees and directors directly affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, forest fires, and flooding.

“When Altana Federal Credit Union (Altana) told us about their three employees in Red Lodge who had been impacted by the flooding, we applied for assistance to help them cover some of the unexpected costs they’ve incurred,” said Karen Smith, SVP and chief advocacy officer. “Since then, we learned about a Valley Credit Union employee in Billings who also sustained significant property damage from the flooding.”

The CUAid grant provides for disaster relief assistance of up to $1,500 per individual, and all four credit union employees received the maximum amount. In addition, Altana Federal Credit Union gave their impacted employees paid leave during the flooding and its immediate aftermath.

“Credit unions are built on the philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said Smith. “It only makes sense that we also try to help members of our Montana credit union family when the opportunity and need arises,” she added. 

When she received her check, Red Lodge resident Tracy Fox was extremely grateful.

“I believe in the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” she said. “Now that I am on the receiving end, it's even more meaningful. I am proud to work at Altana Federal Credit Union and be part of the credit union industry.”

Fox is a member service representative at Altana’s branch in Red Lodge.