Union H.E.L.P. Assists 214 Members Facing Housing Emergencies
Last fall, as national and local housing protections were coming to an end, the Union’s Hotel Employees Lend-a-hand Program (Union H.E.L.P.) began issuing relief checks to unemployed members facing eviction and foreclosure. Already, 214 members have been approved for the one-time, $1,000 grant — helping them stay in their homes during this prolonged crisis.
One of the recipients, Wilson Narvaez, has been a Bellperson at the Avalon for 20 years. Narvaez was one of the many members laid off in March of 2020 who has yet to be recalled. His wife, Cynthia Narvaez, spoke about how the grant alleviated some of the financial strains they have been facing.
“It's been two years of great loss in every aspect,” Cynthia Narvaez said. “We never expected Wilson to be out of work this long. We are very thankful for the grant the Union gave to us. It came at a time that we really needed it.”
NEW: $500 GRANTS TO PREVENT HEATING SHUT-OFFS
As temperatures drop and we weather the winter months, our Union will expand H.E.L.P. to aid unemployed members at risk of having their heat shut-off. Eligible members can receive up to $500 in relief for heating emergencies.
We urge only those in serious need to apply, as funds are extremely limited. The program will remain in effect until the funds run out.
HOW TO APPLY:
Eligible members can apply on our website at https://hotelworkers.org/help. If you prefer to submit your application in person, you may visit the Union office at 709 8th Avenue, 2nd floor, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Grants are first-come, first-serve. If approved, you will receive a one-time payment made directly to your landlord or utility company.
If applying for $1,000 to prevent eviction or foreclosure: You must be a member of HTC or a Local 6 Club, be currently unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and retain recall rights. You must submit a copy of your final notice of eviction, eviction warrant, or notice of foreclosure as well as the information for your landlord/creditor in your application.
If applying for $500 to prevent heating shut-offs: You must be a member of HTC or a Local 6 Club, be currently unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, and retain recall rights. You must submit a final notice from your utility company that your heat is in danger of being shut off or has already been shut off.
