NEW ORLEANS — It's been an arduous two years for VAHNOLA Federal Credit Union after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the city of New Orleans in the summer of 2005.

The $2 million credit union serves the former VA Medical Center here, which is now called the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. Prior to the hurricane, the CU was provided space at no cost by the center. After Katrina, VAHNOLA lost equipment and most files. Upon returning to the city in January 2006, the CU has been operating out of a cubicle that was provided by a neighboring credit union.

One bright spot occurred on May 1 when VAHNOLA entered into a five-year lease in May with Jones Lang LaSalle, LLC to lease its current location. The cost is $1,501.50 but the CU needs help defraying the cost to rent the space for six months.

“Financial assistance is needed to defray the cost to provide the relief needed to get back on [their] feet, build membership and explore revenues that will generate funds to help offset the steep rent,” said Helen Godfrey-Smith, president/CEO of Shreveport FCU, who chairs the African-American Credit Union Coaliton's mentorship committee, which has assisted several credit unions impacted by Katrina.