Homebase Credit Union is a full-service credit union that serves the members of the Fort Lee community in Virginia. It offers a range of products and services, such as savings, checking, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and more. It also provides financial education, counseling, and rewards to its members. In this article, we will explore the history, mission, and benefits of Homebase Credit Union.
History of Homebase Credit Union
Homebase Credit Union was founded in 1952 as Fort Lee Federal Credit Union by a group of civilian employees at Fort Lee, a U.S. Army installation. The credit union was established to provide affordable and convenient financial services to its members, who were mostly low-income workers.
Over the years, the credit union expanded its membership eligibility to include military personnel, contractors, retirees, and their families. It also changed its name to Homebase Federal Credit Union in 2017 to reflect its commitment to serving the Fort Lee community.
Today, Homebase Credit Union has over 15,000 members and $100 million in assets. It operates two branches in Prince George and Fort Gregg-Adams, as well as several ATMs and shared branches in the area. It is regulated and insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an independent federal agency that oversees federal credit unions.
Mission of Homebase Credit Union
Homebase Credit Union’s mission is to “provide exceptional financial service to our members while maintaining a sound financial position”. The credit union follows the cooperative principles of credit unions, such as:
- Voluntary and open membership: Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Prince George County or Fort Lee can join the credit union.
- Democratic member control: Members have equal voting rights and can elect the board of directors and supervisory committee.
- Member economic participation: Members share the profits and losses of the credit union through dividends and fees.
- Autonomy and independence: The credit union is self-governing and accountable to its members.
- Education, training, and information: The credit union provides financial education, counseling, and resources to its members and the community.
- Cooperation among cooperatives: The credit union cooperates with other credit unions and organizations to serve its members better.
- Concern for community: The credit union supports various charitable causes and events that benefit the Fort Lee community.
Benefits of Homebase Credit Union
Homebase Credit Union offers many benefits to its members, such as:
- Competitive rates and fees: The credit union offers low-interest rates on loans and mortgages, high-dividend rates on savings and certificates, and low or no fees on most services.
- Convenient access: The credit union offers online banking, mobile banking, remote check deposit, bill pay, Zelle®, mobile wallet, eStatements, digital finance manager, external transfers, and more. Members can also access their accounts at over 5,000 shared branches and 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
- Personalized service: The credit union has friendly and knowledgeable staff who can help members with their financial needs and goals. Members can also contact the credit union via phone, email, text alerts, or online chat.
- Member rewards: The credit union offers uChoose Rewards®, a program that allows members to earn points for using their debit or credit cards. Members can redeem their points for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or charitable donations. Members can also enjoy discounts on various products and services through Love My Credit Union Rewards.
- Financial wellness: The credit union offers Enrich Financial Wellness, a platform that helps members improve their financial literacy and behavior. Members can access online courses, articles, videos, calculators, quizzes, and more on topics such as budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, retirement planning, etc. Members can also receive free financial counseling from certified counselors through GreenPath Financial Wellness.
Conclusion
Homebase Credit Union is a community-based financial institution that serves the members of the Fort Lee community in Virginia. It offers a range of products and services that are affordable and convenient. It also provides financial education, counseling, and rewards to its members. It follows the cooperative principles of credit unions and supports various charitable causes and events that benefit the Fort Lee community. If you are looking for a trusted and reliable partner in your financial journey you should consider joining Homebase Credit Union. You can visit their website here or contact them here to get started.
