Hurricane Disaster Relief

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Dear Sisters and Brothers:

Representatives have been in touch with our fellow members in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with IATSE Local 494 and IATSE Local 600. The devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico has left many needing supplies as they start to recover.

If you are able to contribute to our union family as they start the long process of rebuilding, the IATSE Puerto Rico local unions have provided a list of supplies and shipping preferences linked below for your reference. Supplies include food and water as well as household items like torches, flashlights, and batteries. Medical supplies, like PPE, bandages, and dressings, and some medications are also welcomed amongst numerous other items. Once shipped, IATSE Locals 494 and 600 in Puerto Rico will keep inventory and provide updates on additional items needed. Updated item lists can be found at the link above.

The IATSE has donated another $10,000 to the Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation to provide financial assistance to affected IATSE members and their families in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

Similar to the IATSE’s relief efforts with Hurricane Harvey, local unions and members of the IATSE are asked to contribute what they can to the Foundation, enabling affected members and their families more flexibility to cope with the challenges created by Irma. Many of these people’s houses are very likely to have been damaged, particularly their roofs, which may now be unsafe for them to live in until it’s fixed. By getting in touch with a contactor similar to this austin roofing company will be able to provide them with a safe place to live once again. But they can only do that with help and support from other people in the community, as well as from people across the nation. Damage to the exterior of the house doesn’t only include roofing; guttering can also be affected. With services like Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning San Jose, homeowners can get help to restore their gutters and also remove any blockages found in there too brought by debris in the storm. There is always a possibility that this can happen again to this area, people who weren’t able to be prepared should take steps now to help themselves, such as going on websites like simplyinsurance.com to see how they can better insure their property and assets, it can’t bring them back or stop the devastation but it can offer some comfort.

Money from the Foundation helps pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities to affected IATSE members. Individual IATSE members needing assistance should submit a written request to their local union. The local union will then forward the request to the Foundation for review by the Foundation trustees.

Checks should be made payable to the “Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation” and mailed to:

The Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation c/o IATSE
207 W. 25th St., 4th Fl.
New York, NY 10001

While credit card donations from individual members can be made, check donations are highly encouraged as it is easier for staff to process. Members can make credit card donations by calling the IATSE General Office at 212-730-1770. Donations on behalf of local unions must be made by check. Thank you for your generosity.