Mobile CU Born of Hurricane Hurricane Rita

NEDERLAND, Texas – Community leaders joined representatives of FivePoint CU Friday to unveil a new community resource developed after Hurricane Rita devastated the Gulf Coast a year ago–a mobile credit union. Dubbed ‘America’s Financial Convenience Store, the 38 foot-long, 13 foot-tall mobile branch will bring the credit union to places its never been before, and more importantly, allow it to operate during and after natural disasters when financial services are normally shut down. The full-service branch is equipped with a teller window and two ATMs, as well as desks for two loan officers, and a GPS tracking system and satellite communications, which allow for real-time transactions, and continuation of services when electrical power may be cut off. Officials of the 40,000-member credit union decided to develop the mobile branch after Hurricane Rita, which destroyed its main office, located in nearby Groves. Credit union officials plan to use the mobile branch at community events and festivals and sports events.