Leading With Purpose: Why Our Social Responsibility Commitments Matter to Everyone We Serve 

(4 Minute Read) — At Unitus Community Credit Union, we’ve always believed that doing business the right way means doing right by people. That belief is woven into our cooperative roots and reflected in how we show up for our members, our employees, and our community. 

This year, we took that belief one step further. 

We launched our Social Responsibility Commitments (SRCs) — a bold, measurable, three-year roadmap to deliver deeper impact in the lives of those we serve. These commitments are personal. They reflect the values of our Board of Directors, the priorities of our leadership team, and the hopes of our 100,000+ members and neighbors across Oregon and Southwest Washington. 

They represent our promise to lead with purpose. 

Why We Made These Commitments 

Our Social Responsibility Commitments focus on five core areas of impact: 

• Emergency savings 

• First-time home loans (including Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) lending) 

• Green auto loans 

• Small business lending 

• Paid employee volunteerism 

Each goal is specific, time-bound, and publicly tracked. And each was chosen because the need is urgent. 

According to the Federal Reserve, 37% of adults in the U.S. would struggle to cover a $400 emergency expense. That’s not just a data point; it’s a flashing red light for financial instability. To help our members build resilience, we launched Unitus Rewards, a program designed to grow savings through everyday activity. Our goal is to help 10,000 members save at least $400 by the end of 2027 — automatically, accessibly, and with no added fees. 

The housing crisis in Oregon is another area where we knew we had to act. Median home prices in many parts of the state now exceed 7 times the average household income. And for immigrant families who file taxes with an ITIN instead of a Social Security number, the door to homeownership is often shut entirely. That’s why we’ve committed to funding $50 million in mortgage loans, including ITIN loans and support for first-time buyers. 

We’re also supporting Pacific Northwest climate goals with $50 million in green auto loans, helping members access cleaner, more efficient vehicles. We’re investing $5 million in small business lending, recognizing that entrepreneurs are not only job creators; they’re culture carriers, community builders, and the heart of our local economies. 

And we’re committing 3,500 paid volunteer hours to support nonprofits who strengthen our social fabric every day. Because our people are more than employees… they’re changemakers, mentors, and neighbors. 

Accountability That Goes Beyond the Numbers 

Any organization can make a promise. What matters is whether they deliver. 

That’s why we built a public dashboard where anyone — members, partners, policymakers — can track our progress. It shows the metrics, celebrates milestones, and lifts up the stories behind the numbers. Transparency builds trust, and we intend to earn that trust every day. 

We also publish quarterly reports, solicit feedback from community partners, and share updates internally so every Unitus employee can see the role they play in creating impact. 

Why It Matters — To Me, and To Us 

These commitments matter to me personally because I’ve seen firsthand what financial barriers can do. I’ve met members who were one unexpected car repair away from falling into financial trouble. I’ve spoken with entrepreneurs who had brilliant ideas but couldn’t get a lender to believe in them. And I’ve heard from immigrant families who thought homeownership would never be an option—until someone finally said yes. 

But this isn’t just about me. It’s about all of us. 

Our Board of Directors helped shape these commitments because they understand that sustainable growth must be inclusive. Our leadership team rallied around them because they believe our role as a credit union is to serve, not just to scale. Our employees are bringing them to life every day – through savings conversations, loan approvals, volunteerism, and empathy. And our community partners have been instrumental in guiding our approach with authenticity and accountability. 

Most importantly, our members are already showing us what’s possible. We’ve seen rewards accounts grow, new homeowners walk through their doors, and small businesses proudly open up shop. 

Looking Ahead 

This is just the beginning. The Social Responsibility Commitments are not a campaign. They’re a foundation for how we operate – anchored in purpose, driven by impact, and shaped by those we serve. 

We hope these commitments inspire confidence, spark collaboration, and open new conversations about what credit unions can do in this moment. 

We also hope you’ll hold us to them. 

Visit our Social Impact Dashboard to explore the data, share your feedback, or learn how to get involved. We welcome your ideas, your partnership, and your voice. 

Together, we can build a financial system that works for everyone. You. Us. Unitus.

Steven Stapp
President & CEO
Unitus Community Credit Union