Union families hard-hit by flooding can get assistance

(Jan. 7, 2015) — In the wake of the severe flooding that has hit areas of Western Washington, the Washington State Labor Council is reminding all that union members and their families who have suffered property loss or damage — or are experiencing other extreme hardship — can apply for assistance through the Foundation for Working Families.

The FFWF is a nonprofit formed by the WSLC and its affiliated unions to assist union families in times of hardship or disaster. In 2014, the FFWF helped more than 70 families with nearly $30,000 from its Hardship Fund and more than $21,000 from its Disaster Relief Fund. Last year, the majority of this money was paid out to help families displaced and affected by Oso mudslide.

Apply for FFWF assistance by downloading and returning these forms for Disaster Relief Assistance or Hardship Assistance. Assistance is not restricted to union members, but they are given priority.

“The Foundation is very proud to be able to provide a helping hand to union families who are suffering,” said the WSLC’s Karen White, who serves on the FFWF Board of Directors. “That assistance is possible thanks to generous donations from unions and rank-and-file members across Washington state and participants in our annual golf fundraiser.”

Unions and members who would like to contribute to the FFWF can send donations to:

Foundation for Working Families
321 – 16th Ave S.
Seattle, WA  98144

The FFWF is a 501(c)(3) organization — federal tax ID 91-1702271 — and all donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions.

The WSLC also thanks all of the first responders and state and local agency staffs who are working so hard to protect the lives and property of communities around Aberdeen, Hoquiam and other areas hard-hit by the flooding.

For more information about the FFWF, email Karen White or call her at 360-570-5169.