As we know, some of our Members remain affected by Hurricane Sandy and are still in need of assistance. Without prompting, many of you have reached out to your flying partners who have been affected by the storm. And, as we always do, we are caring for each other. In those instances, where you are not in the physical proximity to offer assistance, we remind you that you may also donate money to charitable organizations, such as the AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund, where 100% of the funds donated go to Members in need or the American Red Cross.
For those in need of emergency assistance as a result of the storm, there are several resources available:
AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund
AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund
Our AFA-CWA Disaster Relief Fund has been extended to AFA Members and retirees affected by Hurricane Sandy and is available to members in the following counties of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut:
New Jersey - Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union.
New York - Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Suffolk and Queens.
Connecticut - Fairfield, Middlesex, New Haven, and New London.
As states continue to conduct assessments of Sandy's damage, they may request assistance for their residents. The AFA Disaster Relief Fund will expand eligibility for Members in other states and counties should Presidential declarations identify the need for such assistance. Funds will be distributed until they are exhausted.
For more questions about the application process, or to donate to this fund, please go to the AFA Disaster Relief Fund page of our website or call the International EAP office at 1-800-424-2406.
American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The Red Cross continues to help victims of Hurricane Sandy by providing safe shelter, hot meals, essential relief supplies, emotional support and health services like first aid. These resources are provided free of charge. The Red Cross also works in partnership with other agencies and organizations that provide services to disaster victims. Go to the Red Cross website for more information about disaster relief assistance.
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants
Union Plus Disaster Relief Grants of $500 are available to help participants in the Union Plus Credit Card, Insurance or Mortgage programs who are facing financial hardship due to the Hurricane Sandy. The money does not have to be repaid. Funds are limited to the nearly $370,000 available in the Union Plus Disaster Relief Fund.
Union members who live in the following areas and participate in Union Plus programs may be eligible for financial assistance:
Connecticut - Fairfield County, Mashantucket Pequot Indian Reservation, Middlesex County, New Haven County and New London County.
New Jersey - Atlantic County, Bergen County, Cape May County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Somerset County and Union County.
New York - Bronx County, Kings County, Nassau County, New York County, Queens County, Richmond County, Rockland County, Suffolk County and Westchester County.
To qualify for a Union Plus Disaster Relief Grant, the Union member must:
- Have been a victim of the severe weather in counties designated by FEMA as qualifying for individual assistance. (See the list below of qualifying counties.)
- Have experienced a significant loss of income or property within the last six months due to the disaster.
- Have had a Union Plus Credit Card, Union Plus Insurance policy or Union Plus Mortgage for at least 12 months with the account or policy in good standing (be up-to-date on payments).
- Describe his or her circumstances and document the income or property loss.
To apply for a disaster relief grant, Union members who participate in any of the following programs can call:
Union Plus Credit Card (Capital One): 1-877-761-5028
Union Plus Mortgage: 1-800-472-2005 or 1-888-356-0023 (Chase Bank)
Union Plus Insurance: 1-800-472-2005
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA)
Through FEMA assistance, individuals in specific counties in Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire and West Virginia are eligible for the resources listed below:
- Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable.
- Grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance to make damaged dwellings safe, sanitary and functional.
- Grants to replace personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable aid programs.
- Unemployment payments up to 26 weeks for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster and who do not qualify for state benefits, such as self-employed individuals.
- Low-interest loans to cover residential losses not fully compensated by insurance.
- Other relief programs: Crisis counseling for those traumatized by the disaster; income tax assistance for filing casualty losses; advisory assistance for legal, veterans benefits and social security matters.
To apply for benefits or for more information, go to the FEMA website.
Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union
Alliant Credit Union offers Disaster Relief Loans and payment assistance for those with existing Alliant Loans. Disaster Relief Loans of up to $1,500 for short-term living expenses, with expedited application and processing, and no payments for six months are offered to Alliant Credit Union members directly impacted by Hurricane Sandy. Existing members may also have payments on existing consumer and credit card loans deferred, and may restructure mortgage loans to reduce or defer payments. For more information contact Alliant at 800-328-1935 or visit their website.
Vision Service Plan
Vision Service Plan
Vision Service Plan members who have lost or broken their eyewear due to Hurricane Sandy can have their VSP benefits reinstated regardless of eligibility. For more information, call the Member Services Support Line at 1-800-877-7195. If you do not have VSP coverage, you can request a VSP eyecare voucher from your local American Red Cross chapter.
U-Haul
U-Haul
U-Haul International, Inc., is offering 30 days of free storage and U-Box pod moving and storage to residents throughout parts of the northeastern United States who were impacted by Hurricane Sandy. The U-Haul Take a Box, Leave a Box Program is also available to enable customers to return their reusable boxes and allows others to take them as needed at no cost. Many U-Haul centers remain open for business and have much-needed supplies available to help with hurricane recovery such as boxes, tarps, propane and propane tanks. For more information go to the U-Haul website or call U-Haul Public Relations at 1-800-528-0361.
SpareFoot
SpareFoot
SpareFoot is donating a free month of storage to families and individuals in need of a temporary space to store and protect their belongings, while supplies last. Click here for more information on this offer.