You are reading: Hotel Voice Winter 2022

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.