As so-crates has said , most Credit Unions will require that you have some savings. The lending criteria varies from one Credit Union to another but generally they will give you five times what you have in savings. The important thing is that you put whatever you can afford into your savings on a regular basis as they will want to see your pattern of savings when deciding on a loan application , even if its a small weekly amount.
If I were you I would contact your local Credit Union and ask them what their lending criteria is. You will also need to bring along some ID if you are opening an account with them , Passport/Driving Licence and a household bill as proof of address.
Good Luck.