Spokane-based credit union STCU has launched a special disaster relief loan program for members affected by the Upriver fire, which tore through the Spokane area, killing one person and destroying 14 homes. The program offers loans at 2.99% annual percentage rate — less than half the minimum rate on comparable home equity lines of credit — and is available to eligible members through October 31, 2026.
Loan Details and Eligibility
Qualified STCU members can borrow up to $10,000 under the disaster relief program, which carries a 90-day grace period before repayment begins. That combination of a low rate and delayed repayment start is designed to ease the immediate financial pressure on households scrambling to cover temporary housing, replacement goods, and other urgent expenses in the fire’s aftermath.
To qualify, applicants must have held STCU membership prior to Monday, June 23, 2026. The application window runs from June 22 through October 31, 2026. Members can call 509-326-1954 to apply or get more information.
For context, STCU’s standard minimum rate on a home equity line of credit stands at 6.74% APR — more than double what the disaster relief loan offers. That gap can translate to meaningful savings for fire victims who are already facing unexpected costs while waiting for insurance settlements to materialize.
STCU Vice President Dan Hansen acknowledged the program has real limits. “Obviously $10,000 isn’t going to replace a house, but it will help people while they’re waiting for insurance,” he said. Lindsey Myhre, another STCU official, added that “our hearts were with the families, businesses, and communities impacted by the wildfire.”
A Program With Regional Precedent
This is not the first time STCU has activated disaster relief lending in the Inland Northwest. The credit union rolled out comparable programs following wildfires in Elk, Medical Lake, and Malden — communities that experienced devastating fire losses in recent years. The Upriver fire program follows the same general structure, providing short-term financial breathing room while longer-term recovery processes play out.
For North Idaho and Kootenai County residents who hold STCU memberships — the credit union serves communities on both sides of the Idaho-Washington state line, including the Coeur d’Alene area — the program may be relevant if they were among those caught in the fire’s path or affected by displacement.
Broader Economic Pressure on Households
Wildfire recovery costs can strain household finances far beyond the obvious losses. Temporary housing, replacement clothing and equipment, debris removal, and gaps in insurance coverage all add up quickly. Financial products like STCU’s disaster loan can help bridge those gaps, particularly for families without substantial savings or home equity to draw on.
Economic hardship tied to sudden disasters often ripples into healthcare access and other essential services as well. Idaho’s rural communities in particular face layered financial pressures; for background on healthcare access challenges in the region, see coverage of Idaho’s rural hospitals grappling with insurance denials and housing shortages.
How to Apply
Eligible STCU members who were affected by the Upriver fire can contact the credit union directly at 509-326-1954 to begin the application process. The program runs through October 31, 2026, but given the 90-day grace period structure, applying sooner allows borrowers to maximize the time before repayment kicks in. Membership as of June 23, 2026, is required to qualify.