WECU Provides Wildfire Relief Support to Impacted Communities
BELLINGHAM, WA (August 17, 2026) - Four organizations working to expand educational opportunities and create stronger communities in Whatcom and Skagit counties will receive a combined $125,000 from WECU through its 2026 Education First Grant Program.
WECU Provides Wildfire Relief Support to Impacted Communities
BELLINGHAM, WA (August 18) - The devastating wildfires impacting the communities across our region have led to heartbreaking loss for countless people. WECU recognized this loss and knew that they could not sit by while individuals' lives, and finances, went up in flames. WECU is donating $5,000 to the GOWEST relief fund, which offers assistance to impacted members and credit unions. In addition, WECU is providing members and non-members with personal wildlife relief assistance.
The following resources are available immediately to both WECU members and non-members affected by wildfires:
Consumer Wildfire Relief Assistance
Individuals impacted by the wildfires may be eligible for the following assistance:
Free Skip-a-Pay: WECU members may skip a loan payment, excluding mortgages, or a credit card payment. The standard $15 fee is fully waived.
Loan Extensions and Interest-Only Options: Members may be eligible for loan extensions or interest-only payment arrangements at no cost, subject to approval.
Privilege Pay Fee Waiver: Privilege Pay fees may be reversed on a case-by-case basis for members impacted by the wildfires, subject to approval.
WECU is also offering two wildfire relief loan options:
Wildfire Relief Assistance Loan — 0.00% APR
- Personal loan with a 90-day term
- 0.00% APR
- No payments for 90 days
- One lump-sum payment due at the end of the term
- Loan amounts up to $6,000
- Subject to approval
- Personal loan with a maximum 48-month term
- 3.90% APR
- First payment deferred for up to 90 days
- Loan amounts up to $7,500
- Subject to approval
Real Estate Wildfire Relief Assistance
WECU’s Real Estate team is available to work directly with affected members to explore mortgage forbearance and other tailored options based on individual circumstances and qualifications.
Support is available by emailing reps@wecu.com or calling x7393.
Business Wildfire Relief Assistance
Businesses affected by the wildfires can contact WECU’s Business Banking team to discuss available options and support.
Businesses can email bblo@wecu.com or call x7320.
WECU encourages anyone impacted by the recent wildfires to contact us for personalized guidance and support.
About WECU
WECU is a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union headquartered in Bellingham, Washington. WECU was founded in 1936 as the Bellingham Teacher’s Credit Union. Today, it serves over 172,000 members with more than $3.0 billion in assets. WECU is committed to enhancing the financial well-being of its members and making a positive impact in the communities it serves.
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Keith Mader Director, Public Relations & Communications
- August 17, 2026
