NAFCU on Wednesday launched a new online resource for furloughed federal employees seeking financial assistance froma credit union.

The CreditUnion Furlough Assistance page provides links to credit unionsthat have established furlough assistance programs for members.“Credit unions have a history of standing by their members duringdifficult times, and the sequester is no different,” said Quincy Enoch, NAFCU associate director of legislative affairsand military liaison.

“Right now, many credit unions are offering services likefinancial counseling and customized loans to help members stayafloat,” Enoch said. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announcedTuesday that nearly 700,000 civilian defense workers will befurloughed for up to 11 days in 2013, to begin July 8.

The sequester will affect federal employees across all agencies,Enoch said, and whether or not an affected federal employee'scredit union is offering a furlough assistance program, the tradeis encouraging nationwide to turn to their credit unions forassistance. NAFCU will update the web page as needed toensure credit unions offering programs are listed, and said it willshare the list with military organizations. Currently, the siteprovides links to 57 credit unions offering furlough assistanceprograms.