Here When You Need Us
When disasters strike, as servant leaders, Woodforest Bankers are here to respond quickly to our customers and communities who need it most. We understand people face financial challenges as part of the recovery process and we are here to help.
Responding to COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Woodforest sprang into action. We were recognized as a community bank that provides essential services to our customers. Thus, while some other banks were closed, our 750+ branches remained open, and our call-center and back office departments worked continuously to meet our customers’ needs. When call volume rose (and available resources declined), we re-routed the calls to our branches to quickly fill the gap.
Under the CARES Act program, Woodforest processed over $800 million in stimulus payment deposits* and provided stimulus check cashing services through our branches for nonaccount holders, many of whom are underbanked or unbanked and subject to costly check cashing services in non-bank outlets.
In anticipation of high demand from businesses in the communities we serve, our loan operations team (alongside managers across the organization) quickly built processes and trained resources to accept applications for the U.S. Small Business Association's (SBA's) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Woodforest was recognized as a leader in PPP lending in the Houston area by the Houston Business Journal (as of May 6, 2020).
*Information accurate as of 9/1/2020
Teaming Up with NeighborWorks® America
To assist people with access to the proper recovery resources during rebuilding efforts for Hurricane Harvey, the Bank collaborated with NeighborWorks America to expand their three member-run disaster recovery centers in the Houston area to equip them to handle the volume of those in need.
Woodforest Provided*:
|
$25,000 |
25 |
20 |
*Information accurate as of 9/1/2020
Woodforest collaborated with NeighborWorks America to expand their capacity to serve affected communities by allowing 20 Woodforest branch locations in the Gulf Coast area to be used as disaster recovery centers where neither NeighborWorks nor its members had the capacity to provide one. This helped by allowing people who were not able to make it to the primary disaster recovery centers in the Houston Metro area to visit local Woodforest branches, typically in-stores where customers come for necessities such as food and staples. As part of this effort, NeighborWorks trained 20 of the Bank's employees in their "Navigating the Road to Recovery" curriculum so they would have the basic tools and knowledge to assist anyone that may stop in.
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2018IBAT Best of Community Banking Award |
Additional Ways We Care
Improving Financial Health
We are committed to providing effective solutions to improve the financial health of our employees, customers, and communities.
Economic Development and Revitalization
Creating positive social and environmental impact in communities throughout
our footprint.
Community Partners
Woodforest is proud to work with many community partners to support our CRA and community development efforts.
