Since 2005, NYSUT has been supporting unionists reeling from the shock of the loss of family, home and property by distributing more than 4,200 grants through the union’s Disaster Relief Fund.
The fund has helped union members whose lives and finances have been uprooted by fires, hurricanes, floods, blizzards, ice storms and other traumas.
For some, the grant was the only money they received to help them find their way back from losses ranging from deep damage to total ruin of their homes. The fund itself is built by volunteer donations from NYSUT members, who have contributed more than $2.6 million since the fund was established.
When two NYSUT members were killed a year ago in the one of the deadliest transportation disaster in the U.S., the fund donated to help cover their children’s future education costs.
The Disaster Relief Fund was there for members when Hurricanes Irma and Maria slammed Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, and when Hurricane Florence contributed to massive flooding in the Southern Tier.
“Our union is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with its members,” said NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Philippe Abraham, who oversees NYSUT’s social justice initiative.
How to help
To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund, donate online at nysut.org/disasterrelief or send a check payable to “NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund” to: NYSUT Headquarters, Attn: Disaster Relief, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, New York 12110. NYSUT assumes 100 percent of the administrative costs.