Banks extend account assistance, contribute volunteer
hours and donate to support region’s recovery
Following the devastation of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall on the southwest coast of Florida as a powerful Category 4 storm, Florida banks of all sizes have stepped up to meet the needs of impacted communities and FEMA-declared disaster areas by making financial donations, extending account assistance and supporting employees and residents.
Thus far, based on most current information, Florida’s banking industry has generously donated more than $4.0 million in the first 24 hours in direct assistance to the Florida Disaster Fund, the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, and other organizations that are working to meet needs in the impacted areas.
“Any bank customer who suffered through Hurricane Ian and, as a result, faces payment challenges is strongly encouraged to contact his or her bank to discuss options,” said President and CEO of the Florida Bankers Association Alex Sanchez.
Disaster relief efforts include waiving out-of-network ATM fees, working with customers to provide payment extensions, restructuring existing loans, opening temporary mobile banking units in impacted areas, and other community services. In addition, banks have made financial donations, contributed volunteer hours, and offered account assistance to help Florida recover.
Banks serving the impacted region will also offer:
- Online banking systems and bank apps for customers to securely access their accounts, pay bills, deposit checks or make peer-to-peer payments;
- Web pages with storm-specific information;
- Mobile banking units and temporary ATMs for cash accessibility are being mobilized to the impacted areas.
How to help:
Donate to the Florida Disaster Fund to Help with Hurricane Ian Recovery Efforts
The Florida Disaster Fund is authorized by the state of Florida and administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation. Donate HERE. Also, the American Red Cross allows for designating funds specifically for Hurricane Ian relief.
Hurricane Ian Volunteer Opportunities
Donate your time to assist with recovery efforts in the impacted communities; Volunteer Florida has a variety of opportunities via its Volunteer Connect platform.
The FBA is proud to see Florida’s banking industry doing their part to revitalize local economies by caring and providing easy access to funds to help our customers and communities come back strong.
“Leadership is what we expect from our bankers, and I am so proud that our industry has stepped up to serve local communities,” said Sanchez. “All FBA members are concerned about recovery and are supporting impacted areas in a variety of ways.”
The Florida Bankers Association (FBA) serves as the primary resource through which Florida financial service providers work in unity to influence the state and federal legal regulatory environment in which they serve their customers. Established in 1888, the FBA is one of Florida’s oldest trade associations and has a membership of more than 250 financial institutions.
