PUERTO RICO RELIEF EFFORTS
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. Once shipped, IATSE Locals 494 and 600 in Puerto Rico will keep inventory and provide updates on additional items needed. Updated item lists will be linked below.
- Please refer to the list of requested items when putting out a call for donations to your local union. Local unions may concentrate on a specific item or multiple items, but all are needed at this time. The request list will be updated on the IATSE website as news comes in from Puerto Rico. Note: Donated items must be non-perishable and unopened/sealed.
- The shipping address is:
IATSE Local 494
Urb. San Ramón,
Calle Romerillo 8
San Juan, P.R. 00927
787-764-4672 - The primary shipping services in Puerto Rico are USPS, UPS, and FedEx. IATSE Local 494 has confirmed that FedEx is the best option for their office, and FedEx has confirmed that they are operating near normal capacity in Puerto Rico. You are welcome to use whatever service you prefer, but our main priority is ensuring that these supplies get to members in a timely fashion. More information on shipping to Puerto Rico is available on the FedEx website.
- Once shipped, IATSE Locals 494 and 600 in Puerto Rico will keep inventory and provide updates on additional items needed. Updated item lists will be on this page.
- For questions regarding IATSE efforts in shipping items to Puerto Rico, please contact:
Dan Mahoney
Assistant Department Director, Motion Picture & TV
212-730-1770
dmahoney [at] iatse.net
HOW AND WHERE TO DONATE
The Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation - Money from the Walsh/DiTolla/Spivak Foundation helps pay for food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities to affected IATSE members. The IATSE has donated $10,000 to the Foundation for Harvey relief efforts. Another $10,000 was donated to the Foundation for Irma relief efforts.
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, we highly encourage check donations as it is easier for our 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.
WHERE TO FIND ASSISTANCE
The Actors Fund - For our members impacted by Hurricane Harvey, Irma, or Maria, please contact The Actors Fund for information on emergency financial assistance and other resources. Texas residents can contact The Actors Fund’s Los Angeles office. Louisiana residents please contact their NYC office:
Texas Residents - Contact Los Angeles Office of The Actors Fund
323.933.9244, ext. 455
[email protected]
Louisiana Residents - Contact New York City Office of The Actors Fund:
212.221.7300, ext. 119
[email protected]
Union Plus - If you are a union member who participates in certain Union Plus programs and have been affected, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant program. The Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund has provided nearly $1 million in assistance to union members facing hardships following Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, floods, wildfires and other natural disasters. Head to the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund page to learn more about the benefits and eligibility requirements.
Note: Members who may have received assistance for Hurricane Katrina are eligible for an additional grant through Union Plus.
