Local Banks Offer Irene Assistance

Two banks with Barrington branches announced this week that they are offering special assistance for homeowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene.

Webster Bank reported that its assistance plan includes “special rates on new home improvement loans and a temporary fee waiver for use of non-Webster ATMs."

Citizens Bank reported it will offer “low-interest loans and no interest credit cards to individuals, small businesses and nonprofits affected by Hurricane Irene.” 

James C. Smith, chairman and CEO of Webster Bank, said, “For more than 75 years, we have been helping our customers and communities meet their financial needs – especially during life’s setbacks…Our neighbors who have been impacted by Irene can count on us to assist with special terms on financial products and services, delivered by understanding Webster bankers whose families have also been affected by the storm.”

“We are pleased to offer financial assistance to those who were adversely affected by Hurricane Irene,” said Ned Handy, president, Citizens Bank, Rhode Island. “We hope this support provides the immediate resources people need to clean up from the devastation left by the hurricane.”

Among Webster Bank’s offers are an unsecured personal home improvement loan at an interest rate that is 1.5 percentage points below the standard rate.

Small business owners who suffered from Irene’s impact can meet with a specialist at their office. To make an appointment, call 877-864-2037 or any Webster branch.

Citizens said it will offer a $10,000 unsecured emergency loan at 5 percent from 1 to 7 years with no prepayment penalty.  Or customers can apply for a new credit card with 0 percent interest for six months.

Disaster bridge loans for small businesses and nonprofits who have applied for federal disaster assistance also are being made available at Citizens.

For additional access to disaster help and assistance from the federal government, go to http://www.disasterassistance.gov/.