All those who have been impacted by the California wildfires are in our thoughts. Equity's staff is monitoring the situation. If you're near this emergency, please follow local and state guidance, including any 'stay indoors' orders for areas that have air quality issues due to smoke. If you are working in an affected area and have any concerns about your safety, including your ability to safely get to work, please contact your field rep.
In response to the wildfires and windstorms, federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available for workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. DUA benefit claims must be filed by March 10, 2025.
If you have been affected by these fires or other extreme weather events or natural disasters, you are not on your own. The Entertainment Community Fund may be able to provide emergency financial assistance as well as referrals to additional resources for those who work in the performing arts or entertainment. They have also compiled a list of resources specific to the California Wildfires that will be updated as necessary. The Entertainment Community Fund serves all professionals in film, theater, television, music, opera, radio and dance, regardless of union affiliation.
The LA Fed has a list of local resources available for union members affected by the wildfires. They have a number of resources available including housing assistance, utilities assistance, food, masks and connections to other agencies providing alerts and resources.
A Los Angeles-based coalition led by the J. Paul Getty Trust has launched the LA Arts Community Fire Relief Fund, an emergency initiative administered by the Center for Cultural Innovation to offer immediate grants to artists and arts workers across all disciplines who have been affected by these fire.
Union Plus also has a suite of Hardship Help benefits, including Disaster Relief grants, that may be helpful at this time.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers disaster assistance loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofits, and businesses of all sizes affected by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California.
The Equity-League 401(k) Plan allows participants to take hardship distributions from your accounts for expenses and losses (including loss of income) that you incur on account of a disaster declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), such as the recent California Wildfires.
Anyone looking for ways to support Los Angeles Wildfire relief efforts can donate to the Labor Community Services Los Angeles Fire Relief Fund or the Entertainment Community Fund. You can also support IAFF union firefighters and emergency medical workers with a donation to the IAFF Foundation.
Equity's office in North Hollywood has reopened for regular business.
