Labor Participation Helped Members Survive Tough 2009

Download the Labor Leader - December/January issue in PDF format

Tim Galloway
Director, Labor Participation

En español

Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP)

The major funding for the EFS Program officially ended November 18. The Department of Labor Participation received an unprecedented number of phone calls for assistance this year due to the turbulent economic climate that has existed for the past 18 months. Although the news of a recovery continues to be somewhat bleak, we were granted an extension to continue the programs through November 18. Programs extended included rent, mortgage, water and electric bill assistance.

As you can see from the table to the right, we have served more than 3,200 people this year through November and furnished more than half a million dollars in emergency assistance to date in 2009.

My staff and I want to thank the union leaders and those seeking emergency assistance for their patience during this stressful period.

We should also thank the United Way for their efforts to secure a much needed time extension during this crisis. They lobbied the national FEMA Board and received an additional six weeks to help our members and the community. The 323 people served during the three weeks of the extension received an additional $68,201 because of these efforts.

Unfortunately our FEMA funding for this year has run out. Next year’s FEMA (EFSP) allocations have already been approved by Congress for next year. These funds should be available in about two months. In the interim, we can still provide food and smaller amounts of emergency assistance if an emergency arises.

Contacting Us for Assistance

If you need assistance and have not contacted your union representative or the union office, please do so. You must obtain a signed referral notice and bring it with you to your scheduled appointment. In order to help reduce the call back time, we established an e-mail address that can be used to schedule appointments.

E-mailing laborparticipation@uwsd.org is the quickest way to schedule an appointment. Appointments may still be made by calling (619) 641-0074.

Please remember, you must make an appointment before we can see you.

United Way

Labor Participation and the community services and emergency services we provide to you and the public are only possible because of the support union members like yourself provide during United Way workplace fundraising campaigns. When you donate, you are ensuring this program exists. For that, we thank you.