When disaster hits our union, SEIU members are there for one another. The SEIU 503 Disaster Member Relief Fund was created during the COVID-19 crisis. Now it’s a permanent program of our union that’s in place to help people when there is a large-scale event that causes financial hardship for members of our community.

During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund distributed $306,400 to 1,647 SEIU 503 members who lost income during the shutdowns. During the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, the fund distributed $137,000 to SEIU 503 members who were financially impacted by evacuations and property damage. During the historic ice storm and power outages of 2021, the hardship fund helped 1,152 people in our union who were financially impacted by the event.

Make a donation to the Disaster Member Relief Fund.

The fund is supported by the SEIU 503 Board of Directors and Sublocal funds, as well as donations from SEIU members and the community. When disaster strikes, information about contributing will be posted here.  

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Permanent Fund Programs

Wildfire Assistance Fund

When disaster hits our union, SEIU 503 members are there for one another. Right now, many people in Oregon are experiencing loss of income, property damage and other financial hardships as a result of the wildfires. Members qualify for the hardship fund if they have faced financial hardship due to property damage or evacuation, as a result if a wildfire is listed on the Oregon Emergency Management (OEM) website of on-going/active fires and their zip code is under a level 2 or 3 evacuation order. You may be eligible for up to $250 in cash assistance from your union. Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the qualifying evacuation level.

Please use the form below to apply for assistance. Funds are distributed by check.

Donate to the fund

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Civil and Human Rights Fund

Contact your organizer about accessing assistance.

Click here for additional resources.